The Taj Mahal is in his apartment. Not the souvenir bibelot but a model made of Lego blocks. There are various other models too - a train, a Christmas tree and such. So many and so much that John Seemon, one of India’s few Lego master builders, had to buy a neighbouring apartment to his in Bangalore, break down an existing wall, make space, and house the increasing number of Lego structures that he has built.
The 40-year-old IT professional, originally from Piravom, is excited that he is showcasing his craft, hobby and passion for the first time in Kerala. John is building a 15x4x6 foot train model in Oberon Mall. He is open to assistance from viewers and children but he will be in charge of the structural engineering.
“This is my fifth train model. There is design and math involved in this,” says John sitting amidst two lakh black, grey and green Lego bricks.
John’s love for Lego began 15 years ago, during his work related travels. “I was looking at a hobby that does not require tools, like in painting or robotics,” he says. Ironically he began with complicated mechanised versions of the Lego models before settling for the static ones.
As a master builder John is responsible for the architecture of the model. “There is a lot of engineering involved and I have to secure the model and I’m responsible for its structural integrity,” he says and sometimes uses glue and boards for the walls to not cave in.
John’s obsession with Lego has made him a favoured personality with the Danish company and he is part of LAN or Lego Ambassador Network. This means that he receives a set from the company before it hits the market and shares feedback with them. He also helps to promote the hobby among children and adults. John runs the AFOL (Adult Fans Of Lego) chapter in India which has about 30 members. John does not work with the blocks daily but spends at least 10-15 hours every week.
Though he was introduced to the toy as a teenager it did not catch his fancy then but John points out that building with blocks helps children in more ways than one.
Over the next two days he will be offering 500 children and viewers templates that they will have to scale up six times before he finally fits the blocks and completes the train, which will not chug off.
“I don’t do this for any money; I find contentment in this,” he says disclosing that he has taken a day off from work to do this in Kerala for the first time.
The play way to learn
Building with blocks offers a play approach to study. It is a natural way of learning with no peer pressure.
It helps in concentration and children motivate themselves to build better and bigger. It inculcates in them a quest to solve problems. It helps toddlers develop their motor skills. For young adults and senior people
it helps in building patience and focus, besides improving people’s skill when done as a team.
