A Redditor shared a post on r/asksg last Saturday (17 Oct) to show off their latest custom LEGO build.
Source: Reddit
The custom build that the Original Poster (OP), Yeo Ying Zhi, 33, shared was their HDB block in toy form.
Ying Zhi also asked for opinions on their creation, as well as suggestions for further improvements.
Redditors were highly approving of the post, with it garnering over 900 upvotes and 130 comments at the time of writing.
In the comments section, netizens largely commended Ying Zhi for the build.
Some suggested submitting it to LEGO as a proposal for an official product. Others asked if it could be packaged as a custom set for neighbours to build too.
Source: Reddit
Source: Reddit
Several commenters also made requests to see certain animals common to Singapore added to the build.
Ying Zhi was forthcoming about entertaining these requests, replying with LEGO animals as part of the architecture as well.
Source: Reddit
Source: Reddit
Source: Reddit
Ying Zhi discussed ideas with other commenters about more unique HDB block features which could be added.
He considered elements such as bicycle racks, void deck tables, and even BCRS machines.
He also shared that he was actually already working on including more ubiquitous elements in the model apartment block. These include bamboo clothes poles, air-conditioning units, and green public rubbish bins.
Source: Reddit
When making the LEGO building, the OP mentioned that he had actually run out of parts.
Source: Reddit
He has already ordered more bricks to perhaps continue building more LEGO HDB blocks.
MS News reached out to Ying Zhi to learn more about his creative process.
A video game developer by profession and owner of his own independent studio, Ying Zhi has actually been passionate about LEGO since 2004.
Source: Courtesy of Yeo Ying Zhi
His mother bought him his first box of LEGO bricks, beginning his lifelong hobby.
“She still buys me the occasional set today,” Ying Zhi adds.
Speaking more about the featured build, Ying Zhi explained that it is his third Singapore-inspired build.
Previous works include a LEGO MRT train complete with a full interior and built-in LED lighting.
Source: Courtesy of Yeo Ying Zhi
Source: Courtesy of Yeo Ying Zhi
Going back to the LEGO HDB blocks, Ying Zhi said it is largely inspired by his upbringing in an HDB apartment.
It’s such an iconic part of many Singaporeans’ life, and I thought having a mini replica of my own home on my desk would be incredible.
For the creative process, he explained that it started with standard LEGO bricks for the main structure.
He then got more experimental with finding pieces that could represent more iconic details.
“Things like air-con compressors, the lift display, potted plants at the void deck…these are things that Singaporeans can relate to,” Ying Zhi told MS News.
Feedback from close friends and kind comments from Reddit users led to the addition of the various animals as featured above.
“Now my HDB block feels like a mini Singapore zoo,” Ying Zhi commented, joking that he may even decide to find a way to add pigeon droppings to his build to “complete the authentic void deck vibe”.
He also shared that the LEGO HDB block was modelled through a mix of reference photos and visual comparisons in person, as well as digital renders.
Ying Zhi visited various HDB estates for reference, finding himself “drawn to the timeless charm of the older blocks”.
Ying Zhi described the initial build of the LEGO HDB block as a “working prototype”.
He still considers the current version incomplete, pointing out that the back of the build is still partly exposed.
Once he sources the specific parts he needs, he will finish the assembly and polish the final details.
Source: Courtesy of Yeo Ying Zhi
Additionally, he also shared that he is currently designing a Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Set A) build, reflecting his and his friends’ love of Ya Kun.
Ying Zhi wanted to stress that beyond the creative process, building things is deeply meaningful to him.
It gave my friends and me a genuine reason to get together in person, which is so precious in today’s digital age with WhatsApp calls and Zoom meetings. It has also been my sanctuary, helping me navigate some of life’s toughest challenges.
Ying Zhi also runs custom-build workshops, which can be found on his website.
Through this, he also hopes to inspire others to pick up brick-building.
“Because with a bit of imagination, you can truly build literally anything,” he said.
Also Read: Man from US builds Lego models of favourite S’pore hawker stalls, gifts them to hawkers
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Featured image adapted from original post on Reddit.