It took him 700 hours and 56,000 bricks, but it changed his life.
Is there a more recognizable toy than LEGOs? It has improved the lives of many children and people who have felt like children for many years, one block at a time. Brynjar Karl Bigisson’s life has transformed as a result of a LEGO project he completed when he was 10 years old.
In 11 months and 56,000 LEGO bricks, a 10-year-old boy from Reykjavik, Iceland, built the world’s largest Titanic model.
Brynjar was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder at the age of five. While he no longer has communication issues, it was not one of his strong qualities as a child.
“LEGO has been an important part of my life since a very young age,” he told Bored Panda. I was constantly on my alone, playing by myself, due to my poor social and communication abilities, therefore LEGO bricks became my best pals.”
He was inspired to make the Titanic replica after visiting LEGOLAND in Denmark. Seeing the massive LEGO models fascinated him, and combined with his love of ships, he knew what he had to do.
But he needed assistance. “Obviously, I was not going to build the 7-meter-long (26-feet) model all by myself and needed to convince some key people in my life to help me,” he said. “My grandfather, Lulli, helped me to create special LEGO instructions on the real Titanic blueprints.”
“With the help of my mother, I was able to set up a crowdfunding page and raise the funds I needed to purchase the LEGOs.” Also, I was given space in a warehouse to assemble the model, and I came every day after school for 11 months to build for 3-4 hours until I finished my LEGO Titanic model.”
He is currently working on a ferry during the summer and says he hopes to one day become a captain. His tale has become an inspiration to other children and parents who have been diagnosed with autism.
He believes that while his parents were concerned during those times, we now “know a lot more about autism.” His remarks strike a nice chord:
“We know that allowing you to develop your skills through your interest can help you grow stronger.” I’ve had the opportunity, and there’s nothing I can’t do now if I put my mind to it. This message is critical for me to convey.”
