If someone were to ask you, “What is your favorite activity in Minecraft?”, how would you respond? Without hesitation, I would say that my greatest joy comes from venturing far away from home, exploring the map, and discovering new landscapes. When I stumble upon a secluded spot, I start building my village there. It’s a wonderful way to escape the crowds. This process fuels my creativity. Thanks to this approach, builder Per Landin crafts charming villages, each with its own unique style. For instance, there’s “Perville,” “New Pertham,” and of course, “Per Land(in).” These are just a few examples from his extensive collection of settlements.
At first glance, constructing a village may seem straightforward, but it’s quite the opposite. There are numerous factors to consider: which materials will look best, what buildings to construct, whether a fence is necessary, and if it would be useful for keeping outsiders out. However, the most crucial aspect is aesthetics. This is the primary reason why someone might feel drawn to settle there.
Simon (or Dodecahedron, as he is also known) actively employs this method in practice. At 25 years old, he has become a master at village construction. His vibrant creations like Avalon, Willow Glades, or Jasper showcase their distinct designs. Simon often utilizes natural resources, finding it both convenient and engaging.
“Every village I’ve created in Minecraft Pocket Edition has its own story and narrative. This is essential because it creates a unique atmosphere, making me want to revisit them and appreciate every detail. I’ve had many villages that I simply deleted because they didn’t appeal to me; they felt too dull,” says Simon. Quite surprising!
Working as a graphic designer and illustrator, Simon has always enjoyed drawing and experimenting with various art forms. When he first played Minecraft back in 2011, he was skeptical about the gameplay, but soon discovered his talent and inclination for building within the game. Before long, he was actively creating beloved places and structures, merging everything into one map. “Minecraft Bedrock opened up a world of architecture for me, and I became so engrossed in the process that I constantly explored, studied, and applied new styles and building techniques.”
Before starting a project, Simon strolls through his personal world in search of the perfect plot for construction. Surprisingly, this wandering sparks new ideas for him. After selecting an ideal location, he develops a design and begins building. One example is Lumeria, a picturesque little settlement nestled deep in the woods where oak meets birch. Most people might think that constructing a village among trees is a foolish idea, but Simon saw it differently. The outcome was stunning.
“Lumeria features strange, intricate houses. In some of them, you have to climb stairs to find the entrance. Additionally, the village is oriented sideways. For me, the highlight of this village is the spacious area for creative ideas. I can come up with countless variations for the upper parts of the houses. I love the warm colors of Lumeria; they create a relaxing and harmonious vibe,” Simon shares.
An appealing appearance and the use of natural materials are not foreign concepts to Simon. In this project, he adhered to his usual characteristics. Embergrove is a village situated not just in the jungle, but atop tall trees. Each house is connected to another by rope bridges and ladders. From above, it resembles an entire colony.
“On the ground, there’s nothing except a port and some fields growing edible plants. The town hall, hotel, and numerous residences are perched high in the trees. I’m still adding new structures to meet the village’s needs. I’m confident the result will be fantastic.”
Simon never rushes to complete a build all at once. He typically revisits older projects to continue working on them. He explains that with new features emerging, he wants to enhance the project, and deadlines aren’t something he worries about. “I dislike hurrying because what’s important to me isn’t just the final product, but the process itself,” Simon states.
In his view, rushing in Minecraft Pocket Edition is not a positive trait for a builder; the results will be much better when done calmly and steadily. R. Buckminster Fuller once said, “When I work on something, I never think about beauty. But if it looks ugly after completion, then I know I did something wrong.” Well said!
As for future projects, Simon is diligently working, with plenty of ideas waiting to be realized. “Recently, I created a swampy medieval village featuring dark colors that I’m very pleased with. I plan to build a village where arches will be the main feature of all the houses. So far, that’s just an idea, but overall it sounds exciting.”
We pondered a bit and came up with the name “PERLANDINOTROPOLIS.” Not quite right? Not a fan? We can negotiate.
