LEGO Ideas 21359: The Italian Coast
A detailed LEGO set inspired by the charm of Italy's coastal villages.
Meet the Fan Designer
Alex Sahli (known on LEGO® Ideas as Galaxy333) lives in California and is studying Computer Science. Alex, a very talented fan designer, has already reached 10,000 fan votes on four different proposals, and counting! This is the first of his proposals to become an official model. In addition to building with LEGO, he is passionate about photography, football, and travel.
Image description: Alex Sahli, the fan designer, proudly holding his original LEGO model proposal.
A Designer's Passion for LEGO and Italy
"When I was a child, I was given a box of LEGO® bricks, and shortly after, I received my first real set. I loved it. My grandparents also had a set from the 80s that I played with when I visited them. Building with LEGO still means a lot to me. It's an important means of creative expression and helps me feel like I'm contributing something to the world. It has sparked my interest in STEM disciplines, architecture, and other fields, and I've met incredible people through the LEGO fan community. There are many wonderful themes, but LEGO Ideas beats them all. It offers a great variety of sets, and fans can directly influence what gets made. My lifelong passion has been geography, and I never miss an opportunity to travel! Of the countries I've visited, Italy is one of my favorites. Its natural and architectural beauty made me think it would be fascinating to capture it in a LEGO set. This model is primarily based on the villages of Cinque Terre, though it is also inspired by the Amalfi Coast. I used many reference images and experimented with different color combinations. I love the bright tones and the variation of textures present throughout the build, particularly inside the houses and on the carved stones and roofs. Reaching 10,000 followers is a great satisfaction. It has always been a dream for me, so thank you very much to everyone who voted!"
The Eternal Charm of the Italian Coast ??
The Italian coast offers an apparently endless line of dreamlike landscapes for holidays ☀️. Travelers are drawn by the vibrant colors and captivating fragrances that envelop the senses. Among vineyards ? and orchards, numerous traditional-style houses built on the cliffs seem to overlap, forming cascades, and their sun-drenched terraces provide the most spectacular views of the turquoise sea ? stretching out at their feet. The warm breeze carries aromas of citrus ?, jasmine, and freshly baked pastries, as well as notes of savory seafood specialties simmering in local trattorias. The centuries-old villages are full of life. Picturesque cobblestone streets lead to artisan shops where handmade products abound, and local delicacies are crafted from recipes passed down through generations. All of this reflects the essence of Italian heritage.
A Place for Adventure and Relaxation
If you travel through this beautiful region, you can find Cinque Terre, a spectacular site declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, formed by five neighboring villages nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. While tourists and photographers flock to the area seeking panoramic views and world-famous architecture, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a day on the water sailing or kayaking, explore its hiking trails, or visit historical sites. And in the local piazzas, you can join the cheerful conversations of the locals, start the day with an invigorating cappuccino ☕ and a breakfast focaccia, or find your favorite flavor of freshly made gelato ? to cool off under the sun. This coast, with its perfect blend of fun activities and serene landscapes, offers a unique opportunity to disconnect and enjoy life's simpler pleasures.
Image description: A panoramic view of the Italian coast at sunset, featuring colorful houses built on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Impressions from the LEGO® Ideas Design Team
It was a pleasure to work with Alex and his incredible proposal. We could almost hear the waves gently breaking on the cliffs, smell the salty sea breeze, and taste the bittersweet gelato as we explored every nook and cranny! We wanted the elevation near the coast to be noticeable, so instead of a mountain, we placed the buildings at different levels and added an exterior staircase for dynamism. Each floor can be removed to view the interior. Shaping the base at an angle to enhance this cozy neighborhood was a fun challenge.
Local Inspiration
The reference materials and sources of inspiration also draw from the personal experiences of team members who have lived in Italy or visited Cinque Terre, and even from some who come from the area. This set is packed with authentic details, such as the rocky and abrupt access to the sea, the bollards, the shutters, and the texture of the roofs dotted with antennas and small chimneys. (Are antennas still used? Who knows... will they ever be removed? Probably not!). Inside, the buildings have the most realistic possible appearance and include, for example, a kitchen, a bathroom with balcony views, a marble sink, and an abundance of accessories. Additionally, we incorporated two decorated food pieces: one of trofie al pesto, a Ligurian pasta dish that is a must-try, while the other is a slice of focaccia, the name for this bread slice, which can be eaten at any time of day! The ten minifigures represent characters you might find in this location, including Alex, who is here as a tourist. We hope you enjoy your visit!
Image description: Detailed interior views of a LEGO house from set 21359, showing realistic room designs.
Image description: Close-up of LEGO minifigures and decorated food elements, including 'trofie al pesto' pasta and 'focaccia' bread.
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Image description: An illustration featuring the LEGO Ideas logo, expressive icons, and a laptop displaying the LEGO Ideas website interface.
LEGO Ideas Process & Featured Products
Discover the LEGO® Review process, where fan-submitted ideas are evaluated for potential production. Explore new LEGO® products inspired by fan creativity.
Featured sets include:
- LEGO® River Steamboat (Set 21356)
- LEGO® Vending Machine (Set 21358)
- LEGO® The Botanical Garden (Set 21353)
Learn more at: ideas.LEGO.com
Image description: Boxes of various LEGO Ideas sets are displayed, including the River Steamboat (21356), Vending Machine (21358), and The Botanical Garden (21353).
