Brick Cross Train Station

How do you find inspiration for your designs? What inspired this BDP set in particular?
Although I believe that inspiration does not come from a single place I often use personal experiences or memories as a source of inspiration.

In this case I must say that train stations have always amazed me. They are magical places where a large part of the stories of our lives are written. They are places of transition, of unsummoned crowds, of anonymous glances, of waiting, thought and reflection. I must say that I love being in them and watching what happens there… Their aromas (not always pleasant), their sounds, their colors and light/shade. I’m always propelled to ask myself: where is that person going? What is she/he reading? What are they about to eat?

Undoubtedly the multiple European train stations I have been to and the memories of so many moments in them have inspired this project. It is therefore not a replica of any particular station, but a kind of collection of fragments based on my own memories.

Brick Cross project is a kind of 'evolution' of another project I've developed a few years ago called 'The Meeting Point' and aims to focus on everything that surrounds a train station.

It is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Graciela Sacco.

What was the first set you ever built? Which one is your favorite? What is one set you would love to see being made?
I've received my first set in a travel to Rome when I was 7 years old, it was the #6951 Robot Command Center from LEGO Space in 1985. That unfolding frontpages from the sets of the 80's were gorgeous! You were able the see the actual pieces inside.

My favorite has always been the #10185 Green Grocer. It was the first modular that I fell in love with and for me, something special emanates from it. It was an important step forward since it was there that interior details began to be incorporated. Thanks to that set, the series was consolidated and the others arrived. For me, personally, it was the set that changed everything; it meant a change in my priorities and the conviction that I want to be close to LEGO bricks in one way or another every day.

About a set that I would like to being made, I think I would like to say that I wish there was a complete train theme, just as it was in the '80s.

How would you describe your building style? Do you usually design sets within a certain theme?

Most of my projects I've developed so far are architectural minifigure scale. I like to take each new project as a challenge to explore techniques and concepts and I research a lot before I start my first sketches on paper.
I'm fan of British architecture and like the mixing of different architectural styles from different centuries present in many of its cities. Many of the projects I've worked on in the last 4 years have that influence.

How would you describe your role in the LEGO® fan community?

I consider myself as a Designer that uses LEGO bricks as a way of expression.

Have you been to any LEGO community events or conventions? If so, what were they like?

I've had the pleasure to attend many LEGO Events, specially in the UK. I remember one of the greatest I've been to was 'Brick 2014' in Excel Centre in London. That was huge! There was a 'BrickCon' with official LEGO designers and plenty of awesome creations.

What do you think makes a BDP set successful?

I don't believe in formulas for success, neither on Bricklink nor anywhere else. Believing that there is a list of things that you should do to have success implies underestimating the evaluation of the audience or the review board. BDP is a wonderful program, with very clear rules for applying. I think you have to let yourself go within those rules and create with freedom.

What advice would you give to the next set of hopeful BDP designers?

I think that you have to research and build those things that connect with you and your own experience. The deeper you go with that, the better you'll feel about your result. You are the first 'visitor' to your work. I think that you'll always go further trying to be honest with yourself than trying to please people at any cost.