UNICEF, The United Nations Children’s Fund, has developed a LEGO-inspired, multi-purpose disaster relief brick.
When enlarged to human scale, the unique design of this giant LEGO brick allows it to function as both a way to transport food, and a building block for constructing real-life buildings.
The studs (official LEGO term for the “bumps” on top) of the brick unscrew and can be filled with vital supplies such as rice or water. Once empty, the same compartments can be filled with sand, and the life-size LEGO brick is now the perfect cornerstone for temporary shelters:
The bricks are also completely reusable, making disaster relief more environmentally friendly. What a great idea!
As I was looking for more information about the emergency aid bricks, I discovered that LEGO actually designed a UNICEF van back in 1985. According to LEGO Wikia, set #106 was a 56-piece free promotional item given away at LEGOLAND Denmark (the only LEGOLAND in the world at the time, there are now six) and was/is apparently very rare as a quick internet search turned up zero for sale online.
The toy company actually has a fascinating history dating all the way back to 1932. If you haven’t seen it before, this very well done video LEGO released last year is well worth a few minutes of your time.
[via Inhabit and Reblickable]
John Hanlon
Hey there, I'm John. Christian. Juggler. Former podcaster. Currently work in TV news. Technology and LEGO blogger. In my spare time, I shoot and edit videos for the Beyond the Brick internet LEGO show at YouTube.com/BeyondtheBrickTV. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook for news and current event tidbits that cross my path.
I have access to a Unique Brick Manufacturing & Building Concept with which I have built a house in ONE DAY.
5 Unskilled persons can build an Emergency House in one day.
We have actually begun production on an oversized plastic block that can be use for building all types of disaster relief structures. We’re taking it from concept to reality with EverBlock modular building blocks. Each block is 12″ x 6″ x 6″ and can be stacked to create full sized structures, including housing, offices, etc. http://www.everblocksystems.com