This past July, the Ann Arbor District Library hosted a Lego building competition, and Noah chose to build and submit a stunningly accurate replica of UMMA.
Noah started the process by taking photos of UMMA to ensure accuracy, and then worked on the project for a week, designing the layout as he built. He spent entire days toiling over the construction, but he was so engaged in the process, he says, it only felt like two or three hours a day.
Noah’s hard work paid off at the competition when he won both first place in his age group and the people’s choice award.
“I felt really accomplished – like I had done something important,” he says. “I love making something out of nothing.”
Though he hasn’t even entered middle school yet, Noah is a true expert in the world of Lego toys. He started the hobby when he was two years old, and it has been a favorite activity ever since.
With his younger brothers following his lead, the Ann Arbor resident Forbes family is quite the building force. For holidays and events, Legos are the only desired gift. A common household hazard is stepping on a random brick. The family has so many Legos that they have an entire bedroom dedicated exclusively to brick and toy set storage.
The Forbes family places a lot of emphasis on creativity. They visit UMMA two to three times a week for special exhibitions and Storytime at the Museum. Noah’s mother, Michele Forbes, wants to ensure that her children retain their creativity as they get older and enter into more academic studies.
“To create is one of the most important things we as humans can do,” Michele says. “It’s a way to give back to the world.”