LEGO logo for times magazine by sachiko akinaga

the ‘T’ times magazine logo, created in LEGOs by sachiko akinaga

last week designboom’s facebook fans were among the first in the world to see japanese LEGO artist sachiko akinaga‘s sculpture of the iconic ‘T’ of new york times magazine, used as the cover of the winter travel issue of the publication. akinaga has just sent us exclusive photos of the piece, showcasing all the playful details of her imaginative rendition of central park.

akinaga’s largest LEGO work to date, the sculpture measures 6 feet (2 meters) square, constructed over the course of eleven days with akinaga working in shifts of up to 16 hours. in the finished result, an expansive lawn features LEGO figures exercising and relaxing while others play music, dance, eat, and swim on the building’s terrace. as an ‘easter egg’, the landscape includes four people reading ‘the new york times’.

besides standing for ‘times’, the ‘T’ formed by the LEGO building has a secret significance for akinaga:

”T’ stands for the word ‘tanoshii’, or fun, in japanese. in every project I do […] if the viewer finds enjoyment in what I do, I have succeeded.’

detail view of entrance

detail view of terrace

band

detail view of park

LEGO visitors read in the park

full view of the sculpture, the photo used as the cover for the times magazine travel issue

detail view of pool bar on terrace

exercise classes, picnics, and playgrounds outside

additional views of the park