August 17, 2007

Engineering

LEGO engineers oversee tower construction

VINCE VERSACE

staff writer

A steady construction approach, of one Lego brick at a time, will result in a 94-foot tall Lego tower soaring above the Canadian National Exhibition.

“This whole event is like a construction project,” says John Lotenfoe, Lego Canada assistant marketing manager.

“We have engineers, a crane, a work site and builders. When it is finished, you will be able to see it from the Gardiner (Expressway).”

The Lego tower construction begins today at The Ex with the goal of reaching almost 95-feet and a new world record by Monday. The current record is 94.3 ft. (28.58 metres) set in Carlsbad, California earlier this year.

“Our builders are the kid and adult visitors to the CNE, this is their build,” explains Lotenfoe.

The Lego tower will be built at the west side of the Food Building where a 500 kg. podium has been assembled. The four-sided tower will be built on a series of templates and the tower will taper in as it gets higher. “The tower will kind of look like the CN Tower but without the observation deck,” says Lotenfoe.

As each section is completed it will be raised into place using a 100 ft. boom crane. A network of guide wires will support the tower as it grows to keep it stable. The entire construction and assembly will happen under the watchful eyes of two Lego tower builder engineers flown in from Denmark.

The construction site will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. until the job is complete. Builders can try and personalize the section they build. Lego staff will help guide kids and adults through their part of the build.

“It is a fun Lego Creation Nation event which embraces and celebrates lifelong creativity,” says Lotenfoe. “The only thing they need to remember is the interlocking pattern, brick over brick.” Lotenfoe thinks at least half-a-million Lego blocks will be needed to set the world record in Toronto.

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