22,700‑piece LEGO Auburn University campus model is now on display

Auburn University senior Jack Lawson designed a 22,700‑piece LEGO model of Auburn’s campus that is now on display for students and visitors. The project was completed with help from more than 200 students, along with support from Auburn Student Affairs.

Where to see the model

The LEGO campus model is currently on display in the second-floor lobby of Auburn’s Melton Student Center, where students and visitors can view it during regular operating hours. The model depicts Auburn’s main campus, stretching from South College Street to Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue.

Planning and building

Designing the model required creative problem-solving, especially when translating Auburn’s more complex buildings into LEGO form. Some structures were easier to recreate because of their symmetry, while others required unconventional building techniques, substitutions and calculations to achieve the correct angles and curves. Lawson said that one of the most challenging elements was Jordan-Hare Stadium, which sits at a 45-degree angle compared to the rest of campus and required the use of Pythagorean theorem.

As he continued building and designing, Lawson realized the scope of the project exceeded what he could manage alone. After completing about one-third of the model, he pitched the idea of getting help to Auburn Student Affairs, which assisted with securing funding to support the build and make the full campus model possible.

LEGO night and student involvement

With funding secured, the project took on a new role as a campus involvement opportunity. The University Program Council hosted LEGO Night on April 13, inviting students to help place the final pieces on the model.

“It stands as a testament of student involvement. It’s a piece of Auburn University that so many people helped leave behind so they can look at it for years and say ‘I helped build that!'”

Jack Lawson

Nearly 250 students attended the event, assembling campus buildings and contributing directly to the final version of the display. As a souvenir, participants received small LEGO builds of iconic Auburn elements, including Samford Hall, the Auburn brick sign, an oak tree and an eagle, all designed by Lawson.

The involvement of so many students transformed the model into a shared piece of Auburn. Lawson hopes the model helps students, especially those new to campus, better understand Auburn’s layout and appreciate architectural details that are easy to miss.

He said one of his favorite details came from a friend during the LEGO Night build:

“My friend put a Lego dog in the basement of Haley to represent the therapy dogs down there; that was my favorite personal touch because it’s an Easter egg I never would’ve thought of myself.”

Jack Lawson

The completed LEGO campus is a permanent reminder of student creativity and collaboration at Auburn. Lawson hopes students will recognize pieces they helped build and continue to visit the model in the future.