LEGO Techniques

Lego Geometry

• Having a good understanding of Lego geometry is important when applying special building techniques. Lego pieces attach to one another by inserting the studded top of one piece into the underside of a second one. The size of a Lego piece is measured by the number of studs on top. For example, a piece that is two studs wide and four studs long would be called a ̶0;two-by-four.̶1; Legos come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common varieties are standard bricks and thin plates. Plates are exactly one-sixth the height of a brick. Having these modular qualities allows for Legos to be configured in a multitude of ways and ensures that, with the right number of pieces, users can always achieve precise shapes.

SNOT Technique

• SNOT is an acronym that stands for ̶0;studs not on top.̶1; Normally users build by stacking Lego pieces vertically, with the studs facing upwards. The SNOT technique allows users to fit pieces together horizontally or upside-down to achieve interesting effects. These methods are possible because of the unique geometry of Lego pieces. Five plates stacked horizontally will equal the width of a one-stud brick, just as six plates stacked vertically will be as tall as one brick. Experimenting with the SNOT technique allows users to create horizontal color variations and smooth, non-studded surfaces on the objects they build. However, special connector bricks with openings on the sides may be needed to connect SNOT elements to standard vertical constructions.

Lettering

• Special lettering techniques enable Lego enthusiasts to create words for signs and placards out of ordinary Lego pieces. Much like a font is made of individual pixels, Lego pieces can be fit together to form letter shapes. Given the geometric nature of Legos, letters will retain a blocky appearance; smooth curves are only possible at a very large scale. The ̶0;studs out̶1; method of lettering involves pressing blocks onto a standard Lego base plate and forming letters from a top-down viewpoint. Studs will be seen clearly in this method. The ̶0;studs up̶1; lettering technique involves creating letters by stacking blocks of different colors so that, when viewed from the side, the smooth surfaces of the bricks form letter shapes against a contrasting background. This method requires planning and experimentation to get letter shapes just right.

Curved Surfaces

• Legos naturally lend themselves to orthogonal geometric shapes such as rectangles and squares. However, a special technique allows users to make curved walls by alternating bricks with round pieces. Round pieces allow individual brick elements above and below to rotate on a curve rather than continue in a straight line. When you use this technique, you must build the curved wall independent of the base plate, as pieces on a curve won̵7;t fit perfectly into a base plate̵7;s studded grid. However, curves can easily be anchored to the base at secure points using small plate pieces.