The Architecture theme which was introduced in 2008 contains sets designed by Chicago architect Adam Reed Tucker based on real structures. Adam Reed Tucker's sets focus on incredible man-made sights and structures based upon the real world and comprised of microscale models. Unlike most LEGO, Architecture sets are typically not meant for playing but rather designed for display. The debut sets, released in 2008, were of two Chicagoan classics: Willis Tower, and John Hancock Center then New York City's Empire State Building, followed by Seattle’s Space Needle.
2010 LEGO Sets
2010 marked the debut of Collectible Minifigures Series 1 and 2, launching a global collector phenomenon. LEGO expanded its Disney partnership with Cars under DUPLO and Toy Story sets in minifigure scale, while Prince of Persia joined the lineup alongside Star Wars sets celebrating The Empire Strikes Back’s 30th anniversary. New original themes included Atlantis, Hero Factory (successor to BIONICLE), World Racers, and Kingdoms, a return to historically inspired castle play. Several older lines ended, including Agents, Bob the Builder, Indiana Jones, and Thomas & Friends.