Blue White Roundtable: Alabama Week Edition
September 7, 2011 – | 1 Comment

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Creative Genius

Submitted by on April 7, 20088 Comments

It is not often that we here at quebecpenspinning finds a diamond in the rough. That was until last week when we ran across Burik Model Design run by Pittsburgh’s very own Jason Burik. Don’t think he’s a big deal? Do you have your very own Wikipedia page? Jason does.

While most of us continue to simply reminisce back to the good ol’ days. Jason has managed to turn a hobby he has grown to love since he was 7 into a full fledged business. Burik Model Design has been featured at conventions from HobbyTown USA, Pennsylvania to Panorama Towers in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All his replicas can be purchased and custom buildings can also be ordered by contacting Jason at Burik Model Design. He gives free estimates for any project large or small you would be interested in and even provides a free monthly newsletter.

I was fortunate enough to conduct an email interview with Jason himself and here is a glimpse of his work.

How did you come up with the idea of replicating buildings using Legos?
I always enjoyed building Lego kits growing up. One day I decided to build a model of Camden Yards because I love sports and really liked the way the ballpark looked. I thought I would challenge myself and see if I could replicate it. After that I started making homes and models of office buildings.
Is this an entirely one man operation or do you have help designing and building these creations?
I am the builder for most projects. When I have a really big job to do, my cousin Brent Luzik, who hopes to go to Penn State comes over to help! My uncle helps me with business advice such as marketing and website design.
We initially approached you about building a Lego replica of Beaver Stadium. What exactly goes about into building an entirely new project like that?
First I do some research online. Google Images is often helpful in finding different views of the stadium. I also go to the company or in this case, PSU’s website and search for photos and site plans or seating charts. I rarely use or need the actual blueprints. Once I have the necessary photos I then begin by making a cross section of the stadium and plan how tall and wide to make it. I then start putting blocks down for the first row of seating.
Burik Model Design is no stranger to collegiate stadiums. Jason has designed and built Bryant Denny Stadium from the University of Alabama. While we at Nittany WhiteOut do not condone anything from the SEC, we have to say the replica is beyond impressive.
While it probably varies, how much time do you invest in planning a replica or do you dive right into a project with a trial and error technique?
Sometimes I do a little drawing or make cross sections like I mentioned above, however over the years I discovered sometimes it’s easier to visualize and saves time in the long run by just diving into the project. If it doesn’t come out right the first time, you can always go back and take blocks apart – that’s what’s great about Lego blocks!
What would you consider the replica you most enjoyed working on?
Either the model of PNC Park (Pittsburgh) or Panorama Towers in Las Vegas!
Way to represent Jason! PNC Park is the newest most impressive MLB stadium with the exception of the new Yankee’s stadium still under construction.
Panorama Towers is a high-rise luxury condominium towering over the Las Vegas Strip. Jason has managed to replicate the towers to the very last detail including the retail stores and pool!

Which one was the toughest building to replicate and why?
Pittsburgh Convention Center because of the sloping roof
and the globe.
Rounding the Square
“The Lego globe was constructed by placing think blue and white square blocks over top of each other, exposing only half of each block on every succeeding row.
This allowed for a step-like round shape, which in turn achieved the desired 3 dimensional shape.”
If you had the chance to replicate any building(s) you wanted and be paid for your effort, which building(s) would you attempt?
The entire city of Pittsburgh.
Whats the biggest obstacle you have ever run across trying to complete a project?
Trying to finish the Panorama Towers model by a certain deadline. I was staying up until midnight and getting up at 5 am. The model ended up having over 40,000 blocks. It was all hand painted to match the real building!
Are there any projects you simply won’t take because of athletic allegiances (wont’ take rival stadiums), toughness (won’t take certain building designs), or any other reason?
No.

Ohio Stadium in LegosOhio Stadium in Legos
So there is hope after all for you Michigan fans, Ohio Sate already has their Horseshoe replicated in LEGO form, so its about time you guys caught up. The Ohio Stadium replica pictured above (source: fanblogs.com) was not created by Burik Model Design. It was actually the 2 year work of Ohio State fan Jim Stricker.


We thank Jason for joining us for this interview, we appreciate his time and congratulate him on his success so far.

All of his replicas can be purchased by contacting Jason Burik at jburik@comcast.net or by phone at 412-859-0809
Burik Model Design not only produces the current selection of replicas on display on their website, but custom orders or buildings and designs.

Here are a few of his other works:
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh PA (Pittsburgh Steelers)
“Burik Model Design was commissioned by HobbyTown USA to build a replica of the Pittsburgh Steelers Heinz Field. The stadium is currently on display inside HobbyTown USA in Robinson Town Centre (Pittsburgh, PA).
Details include advertisements and mini Heinz ketchup bottles on the scoreboard.”

Model Facts:
3,500 LEGO blocks
8″ long x 24″ wide x 10″ high


M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore MD (Baltimore Ravens)
“Replica has all purple seats, jumbo scoreboards, and a realistic looking field.”

Model Facts:
3,800 LEGO blocks
28″ long x 24″ wide x 12″ high


Yankee Stadium, New York City NY (New York Yankees)
“The House that Ruth Built” is in its last year before a brand new Yankees stadium opens across the street, but this historical landmark is idolized in LEGO form at Burik Model Design.

Model Facts:
3,500 LEGO blocks
28″ long x 24″ wide x 12″ high


Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia PA (Philadelphia Phillies)
Burik Model Design was actually commissioned by the Philadelphia Phillies to build a LEGO scale model of their ballpark which is currently on display inside the team’s ticket office for fans to see.

Model Facts:
3,500 LEGO blocks
28″ long x 24″ wide x 10″ high


LEGO Palm Pilot
Burik Model Design builds custom gifts, this one was ordered by a Microsoft representative for a gift to a client.
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