EVENT LOG: I LOVE BRICK

 I LOVE BRICK STEZZANO (BG)

From April 5th to 13th, the Le Due Torri Shopping Center in Stezzano (BG) hosted the highly successful event “I LOVE BRICK”, an extraordinary free exhibition entirely dedicated to the world’s most beloved colorful building bricks.

The initiative was part of a rich calendar of events organized to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the shopping center—an important milestone that Le Due Torri chose to commemorate by offering the public engaging, accessible events suitable for the whole family.

“I LOVE BRICK” was conceived and brought to life by Hopplà, a company specialized in organizing educational and recreational events, in collaboration with Andrea Brickoso, a passionate and well-known builder in the Italian LEGO® community. Thanks to their experience and creativity, the shopping center was transformed into a vibrant space full of color, imagination, and ingenuity, welcoming visitors of all ages into a truly inspiring atmosphere.

Throughout the event, both children and adults had the chance to immerse themselves in interactive activities, creative workshops, and themed exhibitions, enjoying an unforgettable experience centered around play, sharing, and discovery. The spectacular brick-built creations on display, made from thousands of pieces, sparked awe and wonder, proving that imagination knows no bounds when fueled by passion.

“I LOVE BRICK” was not only a moment of fun and entertainment but also an opportunity to celebrate creativity and the educational value of play, involving the local community in a joyful celebration of imagination and inclusion.

The event offered 360-degree entertainment, engaging visitors in an immersive experience that blended art, play, and creativity. The initiative unfolded across multiple fronts, featuring an extraordinary exhibition of artworks built entirely with LEGO® bricks, a photography showcase, a creative contest, and numerous educational and recreational activities designed to spark imagination and curiosity in both children and adults.

As previously mentioned, “I LOVE BRICK” included a captivating photography exhibition that skillfully combined the LEGO® universe with the art of visual storytelling. The photographs—taken by Filippo Sartoris, renowned for his talent in capturing the magic of the LEGO® world through detailed and evocative imagery—alongside other passionate photographers, drew the attention of visitors with their creative framing, original settings, and surprising compositions.

But the event wasn’t just about observing—it was about participating. All LEGO® fans had the chance to become protagonists themselves by bringing their favorite minifigures from home. In a specially designed area, they could take personalized photographs, placing their characters within small creative sets provided by the organizers.

These photos could then be shared on the event’s official social media channels, using dedicated hashtags. Participants in the contest had the chance to receive a fun giveaway and see their creations featured online, helping to build a vibrant and enthusiastic creative community around the LEGO® world.

Thanks to this unique mix of visual art, interactive play, and social sharing, “I LOVE BRICK” succeeded in engaging its audience in a truly original and meaningful way, delivering an inclusive, entertaining, and deeply inspiring experience.

Lo scatto in alto è di Filippo Sartoris

When it comes to the exhibited creations, “I LOVE BRICK” clearly demonstrated the power of shared passion. When friends come together, united by the same enthusiasm and creativity, true brick-built wonders can come to life. That was exactly the spirit that animated the exhibition in Stezzano, where visitors had the chance to admire unique builds, the result of the talent and dedication of four exceptional builders.

Among the works that most captivated the audience was the masterpiece by Antonio Mortola, who presented an extraordinary LEGO® recreation of the Castle of Fénis, one of the most iconic medieval fortresses in the Aosta Valley. His creation is a true feat of technique and patience: it took Antonio no less than seven months of work and over 45,000 LEGO® bricks to complete.

The precision of the architectural details, the faithful representation of the original, and the meticulous placement of towers, walls, and decorative elements left both children and adults in awe. But the marvel doesn’t end there—every time the piece is exhibited, it requires a careful and time-consuming setup, taking at least four hours to assemble, a testament to the complexity and delicate nature of the structure.

Antonio’s castle is not just a showcase of technical skill, but also a tribute to Italian history, culture, and landscape, brought to life through the universal language of LEGO®. It stands as a perfect example of how play can evolve into art and storytelling, evoking emotions and sparking inspiration in all who behold it.

Castle of Fénis by Antonio Mortola

Castle of Fénis by Antonio Mortola

Castle of Fénis by Antonio Mortola

Another standout contributor to the exhibition was Daniele Savoldelli, a true reference point for all fans of LEGO® creations inspired by the world of Indiana Jones. Thanks to his remarkable skill and deep knowledge of the film saga, Daniele succeeded in recreating adventurous and evocative settings, immersing visitors in a journey through lost temples, mysterious jungles, and iconic escapes from ancient traps.

The section of the exhibit dedicated to him was among the most admired, offering a masterful blend of original MOCs (My Own Creations) and official LEGO® sets, all meticulously themed around Indiana Jones. Each diorama was crafted with incredible attention to detail—from the color palette to scenic elements, and minifigures placed with precision within dynamic action scenes.

Fans of the saga had no trouble recognizing some of the most legendary scenes from the films, such as the suspended bridge sequence from The Temple of Doom, to name just one. Every build told a story, drawing both young and old into a world of adventure, mystery, and a deep love for detail.

Daniele’s section stood out as a true love letter to the character of Indiana Jones, a cultural icon who continues to captivate entire generations. His creations masterfully blended cinematic accuracy with personal creativity, offering the audience a visually rich and emotionally engaging experience.

Moc by Daniele Savoldelli

Work by Daniele Savoldelli

Another prominent presence at the exhibition was Andrea Caboni, known in the LEGO® community as Andrea Brickoso—a talented builder renowned for his ability to tell complex and captivating stories through LEGO® bricks. His creations won over the audience with a perfect blend of technical skill, creativity, and visual storytelling.

Among the models on display, two stood out in particular for their originality and attention to detail: “Naples Corner” and “The Gendarmes’ Bay.”

“Naples Corner” has become an iconic creation within the Italian LEGO® scene. It has even been submitted to the LEGO® IDEAS platform, where fans can support it with a vote in the hopes of seeing it turned into an official LEGO® set (available at the following link). The build depicts a vibrant Neapolitan street corner, meticulously crafted with lifelike details—from shop signs and flower-filled balconies to laundry lines stretched between buildings and bustling minifigures. Every element reflects the authentic charm and color of Naples. Far from being just a miniature architectural model, “Naples Corner” is a heartfelt tribute to Neapolitan culture and everyday life.

Alongside this urban setting, Andrea also presented “The Gendarmes’ Bay”, an exciting pirate-themed diorama that immediately captured the imagination of visitors. The scene is dynamic and rich in narrative tension: a band of pirates attempts to infiltrate a fortified outpost on a remote Caribbean island, defended by brave gendarmes determined to repel the assault. The build stands out for its masterful use of seascapes, fortress architecture, and action-packed character placement, resulting in a coherent and thrilling visual story.

With these two creations, Andrea Brickoso once again demonstrated his unique talent for combining structural precision with narrative depth, transforming simple bricks into immersive, emotional, and visually compelling worlds.

Naples Corner by Andrea Caboni

The gendarme's bay by Andrea Caboni

Among the many creations showcased at “I LOVE BRICK,” another extraordinary work featured on the LEGO® IDEAS platform was present: the famous Riva Acquarama by Antonio Mortola. This stunning model, inspired by the legendary Italian luxury speedboat, captured the attention of enthusiasts and visitors alike thanks to its elegance and impeccable level of detail.

Antonio dedicated approximately two months of intense work to build this masterpiece, using a total of 1,500 pieces to faithfully recreate the sleek lines and timeless charm of the original boat. The attention to detail—from the shape of the hull to the refined finish of the deck—has turned the model into a true miniature work of art, evoking the glamorous and relaxed atmosphere of the Italian coast.

Antonio’s Riva Acquarama is not only a prime example of technical excellence but also represents the passion and dedication that drive the world of LEGO® building, transforming simple bricks into authentic expressions of design and history.

For all enthusiasts who wish to support this project and help turn it into an official LEGO® set, the model can be voted for on the LEGO® IDEAS platform at the following link. Your support can make a difference, helping Antonio bring his work to an even wider audience.

Riva Acquarama by Antonio Mortola

As often happens when I take on an event reportage, my presence is never just as a simple spectator, but also as a participant with one of my own creations. On the occasion of the prestigious 15th anniversary of the Le Due Torri shopping center, I wanted to bring something special to celebrate this milestone properly, and so I presented my diorama titled “The Revenge of the Dragon.”

This is an imposing work—a diorama that stretches over four meters in length—resulting from a long process of design and construction that lasted several months. In total, I dedicated about 800 hours of work to carefully craft every detail, from the landscape composition to the meticulous arrangement of characters and scenic elements, aiming to convey an epic and engaging story through LEGO® bricks.

Setting up a diorama of this size is a complex and delicate operation: I usually spend no less than three hours assembling and arranging every part, ensuring that everything is perfectly stable and aligned with the original plan. However, this time I managed to reduce the setup time and, with great satisfaction, completed it in less than two hours, thanks to better organization and the experience I have gained over time.

Bringing “The Revenge of the Dragon” to “I LOVE BRICK” was a valuable opportunity not only to showcase my passion and dedication but also to share a piece of my creative world with the public, helping to make the event even richer and more engaging.

The revenge of the dragon by Giuseppe Fraccalvieri

The revenge of the dragon by Giuseppe Fraccalvieri

The revenge of the dragon by Giuseppe Fraccalvieri

The recreational activities offered during the event were developed through two distinct yet complementary approaches. The first focused primarily on entertaining the younger attendees, engaging them in free building sessions and themed competitions, such as the challenge to construct increasingly taller towers capable of withstanding shakes and sudden gusts of wind. For the most skilled and creative participants, prizes and recognition were awarded to celebrate their talent and ingenuity.

The second activity took on a more educational and social role, involving both adults and children in creating an “inclusion ramp” made entirely out of LEGO® bricks. This initiative originally started in Germany thanks to the efforts of Rita Ebel, whose story is one of resilience and hope. After an accident left her unable to use her legs, Rita faced firsthand the challenges posed by architectural barriers in her community. Undeterred, she transformed her experience into a tangible message of inclusion by building LEGO® ramps to raise awareness on the issue.

The project has inspired many followers worldwide, and the participants at “I LOVE BRICK” contributed by constructing a smaller symbolic version of the ramp, a simple yet meaningful gesture that added further depth to the event.

In conclusion, “I LOVE BRICK” proved to be a success on all fronts, engaging and delighting both adults and, especially, children. The numerous questions and curiosities from the audience highlighted a genuine interest in the building techniques and stories behind each creation. I look forward to the next opportunity to share the enthusiasm and passion that only the world of LEGO bricks can offer.