The 10th anniversary of the Modular Building line brought the release of this huge set. Want to see what’s included in the 4000+ pieces and whether it is worth the hefty $280 price-tag? Just keep reading.
The box is pretty massive, and features a large view of the set on the front.
While on the back it focuses on the many little scenes and details in the build, as well as a group shot with previous modular sets.
The ends of the box are fairly typical: some more set info, and a view of the 9 minifigures, including a new baby.
A look at the massive parts selection takes up the top of the box.
Upon opening the package, you find loads of numbered baggies, a hefty instruction manual, 2 baseplates, and a box containing even more parts bags.
As is usual with larger sets, the build process is broken up into sections that correspond with numbered bags.
After opening the white box, this is the pile of bags you come up with.
Time to get into these great parts!
Here are some of the notable parts included in the number 1 bags: new macaroni tiles, bley Nexo Knight shields, and plenty of useful tiles.
Laying out the side walk and building foundations are the first objectives. These connect the two base-plates, one 32×32 and one 16×32. You can see already that the new macaroni tiles bring loads of options for use in patterns.
Moving on, there are quite a few more parts in section 2.
And again there are some very desirable parts included. The printed parrot, 1×1 round tiles in Reddish Brown, and glass roller panels were highlights for us.
The florist’s shop is about finished, while the bakery progresses nicely. You can already see a lovely wedding cake on display inside.
On the back of the building there is the start of a fire escape, back door, and technic pin that operates a play feature in the bakery: push it and baked goods are ejected from the oven.
Now the bakery is completed, along with Section 2 of the set. The inverted 6×6 round section was accomplished via some very clever building that utilizes hollow studs and these parts. The window panels are also attached via hollow studs at the bottom, along with clips at the top.
Moving onto bags numbered 3.
Another new macaroni tile, this time in a larger size, plus some new 1×1 quarter circle tiles are the obvious highlights, though there are plenty of other nifty parts included.
Section 3 focuses on getting the coffee shop caught up with the other buildings, and John and I both enjoyed seeing how the various furniture items were built.
You can also see that the florist shops first level was completed with a lovely sign and some additional windows.
Plenty of plates in Section 4, looks like it’s time for some new floors!
Another brand new and very useful part makes its entrance here: brick modified with stud on 2 adjacent faces. Sand blue is always a welcome surprise, and the printed newspaper tile could be handy in many different applications.
The second story of the bakery and florist shop are attached to each other, and come together quickly. Half stud offsets and SNOT techniques are used extensively throughout the set.
Taking a look at the back again, another flight of stairs was added to the fire escape, while a little connecting alley provides access to the main square out front.
There is loads of sand blue in Section 5, particularly bricks.
Anyone who is a fan of LEGO instruments will find a nice variety here, and the part in the ziplock baggy is a functional mirror! Also note the half circle bley 1×1 tiles, white scroll bricks, white Nexo Knight shield, and new dark bley 1×2 slope/tile.
Upon completing the second stories, the scene really starts to come together. I was quite impressed with the window design for the music shop.
The third floor sees the addition of a dance studio which utilizes the mirror and adds a balcony to the building.
Here is another example of an excellent design in the model: some headlights placed at an angle in the corner and locked in place by the macaroni tile on top allow a white nexo knight shield to be placed diagonally.
With the roof added, that building is now finished. Quite pretty! The new bley half circle tiles are used to give additional detail between floors.
And finally, here is the 6th and last selection of parts.
A completely white chicken, reddish brown life preserver, more new tiles, printed parts, Thor’s hammer, and convex slopes are all choice pieces.
The use of Thor’s hammer as an architectural detail is ingenious, along with the technic bucket roof.
Now let’s take a look at the completed set.
The building’s are impressive from any angle, with even the backsides featuring some nice detailing.
The fire escape is instantly recognizable, and spices up the back of the building considerably.
This kitchen area contains a neat grill and small table.
The little alleyway even has a trellis over top.
Inside the dance studio you find a nice upright piano and plenty of floor space for dancing.
Down a level is the music shop with a brick built drum set in addition to the prefab instruments.
Feeling hungry? Grab a cup of coffee and some pie.
In the apartment you find some kitchen appliances.
And a small bathroom.
This particular room will likely be a favorite with AFOLs as a train layout and some micro versions of sets are prominently displayed.
It also has a fold out couch! Pretty nifty design that works surprisingly smoothly.
Running into dental issues? Visit the dentist whose office window assures that his service “Prevents Yellowing.”
The dentist’s chair and sink are some of my favorite interior details.
Next door you find a photographer’s studio.
The tripod’s ball joint legs attach nicely in between a few clips on the floor.
You can see a sample of his work framed on the wall.
A nice selection of bouquets and flowers are offered at the florist’s shop.
While the bakery is well stocked with many delicious treats.
It was rather amusing to see all the different versions of cash registers included in the set. See how many you can find.
Next are a few pictures showing daily life in Assembly Square.
The amazing parts selection of this set is a huge draw for MOCing enthusiasts, but just how useful are these new parts? John and I whipped up a few small creations to give a small glimpse of the possibilities these parts offer.
First off, a triumphant arch that utilizes the new tan brick with stud on adjacent sides to achieve detailing that would otherwise be impossible. Other parts included from the set are the Nexo Knight shields, and large macaroni tiles.
Next is a digital clock which uses the new half circle tiles to create a convincing digital display. Some of the dark blue and black tiles are also from the set.
The macaroni tiles are definitely some of the most exciting parts included, and John put them to good use in this vignette. The sand blue bricks, white scroll bricks, printed tiles, 3 long bright green bar, and bley handle with bar receiver elements are all included with Assembly Square.
I focused on highlighting the wonderful color, Medium Dark Flesh, with this scene. The set comes with plenty of 1×2 tiles, 1×1 cheese (new), and also some 1×1 tiles. This color is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and I’ve been using it often in recent builds. More pieces implemented into this scene: macaroni tiles, dark bley plate with rail, white panels, grill tiles, arches, and curved slopes, along with the clock, printed pie elements, and gold fez.
Overall, the set is quite an impressive display piece and also a great way to obtain some very useful new parts. With a price per piece of just under 7 cents, it is quite reasonably priced. And the build process is enjoyable, with many little details that are cleverly built. It took us about 6 hours to assemble, working quickly, and at no point during that time did the process feel tedious. It feels very thought out, with well coordinated stairways and doors to allow access to each room.
Our biggest complaint with the set is that the 2 baseplate foundation is not overly sturdy, and when you pick up the set to move it, you have to be pretty careful to avoid it splitting in half. Playability is obviously not the focus of the set, which will likely suit adults just fine. Access to the interior is easy via the standard modular lift off floors.
Thanks to the LEGO LCE team for sending us this set to review, and all the opinions expressed herein are ours alone.
What are your thoughts on this set, and the new pieces it comes with?
Awesome!!! Looks like an awesome set!!!!! And some great parts… May have to get this one… 😀