Creating a mini Melbourne 

Creating a mini Melbourne 

Declan Mulcahy is working on a MiniMelbourne project that turns the CBD’s most iconic landmarks into miniature Nanoblocks.

An avid Lego lover and lifetime Melburnian, Mr Mulcahy started MiniMelbourne late last year after being inspired by the hand-drawn Melbourne Map curated by artists Lewis Brownlie and Deborah Young.

Mr Mulcahy said he thought the CBD deserved to be celebrated for its “interesting buildings and the beautiful layout of the city”.

“I saw that Lego released its Sydney skyline product and got a little jealous that it wasn’t Melbourne,” he said.

“Just because we don’t have a Harbour Bridge or Opera House doesn’t mean Melbourne is not worth celebrating.”

The first stage of the MiniMelbourne project includes miniaturised landmarks like Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Arts Centre and the Eureka Tower.

The project currently expands from Southbank to Collins St and is bordered on either side by Queen and Exhibition streets.

Mr Mulcahy has set the goal of miniaturising the entire Hoddle Grid and expanding it to Carlton and Docklands.

A single Nanoblock is as small as several millimetres and Mr Mulcahy has to measure the size of the actual building to make the Nanoblocks up to scale with the landmarks.

Mr Mulcahy is studying a master’s degree in fine art at RMIT University and said he loved having fun with creative projects.  He said he did not find the project stressful because of his passion for Lego and creative art.

“I actually find it quite relaxing. After a stressful day, it is nice to find a few hours to work on a Nano-version of a building. It feels like something I can unwind with,” he said.

“MiniMelbourne is a combination of the things I love, including Lego and Melbourne. I’m a die-hard fan of Melbourne,” Mr Mulcahy said.

He launched a crowd-funding campaign with a goal of raising $2000 to purchase the materials. People can name a Melbourne landmark that they want to be constructed with Nanoblocks with a $50 donation.

Upon completion, Mr Mulcahy wants to exhibit the project in the CBD so people can get up close and personal with the miniature Melbourne.

“The project is not just copying the city. It’s representing the city that we see and experience and love,” he said. “So the best way to see the project is in person.”

For more information and donation, visit www.pozible.com/project/the-minimelbourne-project

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
Like us on Facebook