LEGO ARCHITECTURE REVIEW | Set 21057 SINGAPORE | 16 x 28 x 9 (HxLxW) cm

Since its inception in 2016, the LEGO Architecture Skyline series has allowed LEGO fans to get a taste of various cities across the world.

The newest addition is 21057 Singapore, which immediately caught my eye, as I grew up (and currently reside) in Singapore. The set depicts several iconic buildings and landmarks along the Singapore river, clocking in at 827 pieces. Let’s take a closer look!

21057 SINGAPORE – SET DETAILS

Name: Singapore
Set number: 21057
Pieces: 827
Theme: Architecture
Release Date: 1 January 2022

UNBOXING

The box is in the 18+/Architecture style of LEGO boxes, with the set against a black gradient background and a blue LEGO border along the bottom with the relevant set details.

I think the design looks smart and classy, fitting for an Architecture set which traditionally has been aimed at older audiences.

The back of the box shows another view of the set along with the real-life photos of the landmarks for comparison. Disappointingly, this angle reveals that this particular box uses thumb tabs, which basically ruin the box once you open it.

Previous Architecture sets have had flip-top lids which allow the box to be maintained in good condition even after opened, which fits the premium feel of the overall Architecture wave.

This was my best attempt at opening the box, unfortunately there’s still a fair bit of torn cardboard. I would like LEGO to return to the old lift-off lid style of boxes for a premium theme like Architecture.

Inside the box are five numbered bags and an instruction manual. Despite the set’s high piece count, the bags are surprisingly empty – I suppose it’s due to the large number of small pieces included. Bag 1 also has a brick separator, which is not uncommon in adult-oriented sets.

The instruction manual has pictures and descriptions of the various Singaporean attractions inside, which is a nice touch for a set like this.

Here are the printed pieces included in the set. There’s the name of the country printed on the base, while the others are used for window detail on multiple buildings.

The 2×3 printed tan tile is new, while the white pieces are reused from older sets. Nevertheless, they are all generic enough to be used to good effect in this set, and can definitely be reused if you want to make your own custom skylines.

BUILDS

Here is the base of the model. I like the unusual shape, as it’s much more visually interesting than a simple rectangle, and helps create visual depth between the various buildings.

There are also some interesting techniques used to attach the buildings. The OCBC Building and One Raffles Place clip onto the gold and black bars that are built into the base, while other buildings like Boat Quay are just attached using jumper plates.

Here’s the completed model, which cleverly places the smaller buildings along the foreground and the taller buildings at the rear.

The Singapore River is depicted with some 1×2 translucent light blue tiles, and different shades of blue plates are used underneath to try and create an illusion of depth in the water. Bright green leaf pieces are used throughout the model to represent the numerous trees in Singapore, which has earned the “Garden City” nickname.

I like the printed 1×8 black tile on the base which is labeled “Singapore”, fitting in with the other Architecture Skyline sets and looking great on display.

Let’s take a look at Marina Bay Sands first. It’s the biggest model in the set, and you actually build it last.

This isn’t the first time the integrated resort has appeared in LEGO, as it first appeared as a limited-edition Architecture set in 2013, but this is a much more accessible set. It features the three main towers and a boat-like design on the top, which is accurate to the real-life building.

The windows along the sides of the towers are represented with 1×4 translucent dark blue plates. In my opinion, the color choice is not perfect – the windows on the actual building generally appear as a lighter blue – but I suspect the LEGO designers chose a darker blue to avoid picking the same shade as the LEGO Singapore river.

Naturally I am a bit partial to this set, given that I am a Singaporean, but if you like the Architecture theme or the overall look of this set I think it is definitely a worthy purchase.

Build [4] – Detailed construction with good building techniques, earning its spot in the Architecture theme.
Real Value [3] – Good value for an Architecture set, but still a little expensive.
Innovation [3] – Nothing particularly ground-breaking but some of the building techniques are clever.
Coolness [3] – Looks excellent on display
Keepability [4] – Architecture sets usually are quite keepable, and this set is no different. It is aesthetically pleasing and definitely deserves a spot on your shelf.

Rating and score: 3/5 ★★★✰✰

From Jaysbrickblog.com 

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