In late 2020, Adam Mael completed a LEGO project that took nearly three years to finish. The intricate replica of the Diag and surrounding Central Campus buildings, made entirely from LEGO except for two stickers, continues to impress both in-person and online. Mael, a Ph.D. program coordinator in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, expressed amazement at the project’s ongoing popularity. “I was blown away by the response,” he said, adding that he initially built it for personal enjoyment.
The Record recently checked in with Mael, who shared that he has started and abandoned many projects since the Central Campus build, yet still captivates audiences with his completed works. “I had the chance to display it a few times and really love getting to see people’s reaction and talk with them about the model,” he said. The success led to other exciting Michigan LEGO projects.
More U-M Creations
The Alumni Association reached out to Mael after seeing the Central Campus build. A Facebook post about the project gained widespread attention, leading to commissions for pieces like a LEGO replica of The Cube and a Michigan football helmet, displayed in the Alumni Center after renovations in 2021. Inspired by his success, Mael tackled a 25-foot-tall kinetic sculpture near his office using CNC machined aluminum LEGO pieces to overcome structural challenges.
Mael’s creativity also shines in his intricate LEGO mosaics of his golden retrievers, Maple and Willow. The mosaics, featuring over 13,000 non-standard LEGO pieces, showcase Mael’s innovative use of textures and colors. His work with Michigan’s national championship win in 2023 inspired a LEGO trophy replica, using special-order gold bricks and engineering finesse for an accurate yet structurally sound model.
Brick Bash
Mael brought his dog mosaics to Brick Bash, a LEGO exhibition supporting Skyline High School’s band program. Though he has shown the Central Campus model there before, its size and setup time mean it will stay in storage for this year’s event. Instead, Mael plans to showcase new creations, including a pyramid of minifigure habitats inspired by Taylor Swift songs.
He also crafted three large LEGO croissants for his family’s bakery in Brooklyn and is exploring the idea of a perpetual slinky staircase. Mael’s innovative creations continue to capture the imaginations of LEGO enthusiasts and inspire future projects.
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