Architects Band Together to Build Real-Life ‘Lord of the Rings’ City

Mundburg; The Guarded City; City of Kings; Tower of the Sun. Minas Tirith, the heavily-fortified tower and capital of Gondor goes by many names. For decades, the gleaming capital city only existed in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, until now. A team of English architects and structural engineers have started a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo to make a fully functioning, life-sized and inhabitable replica of The White City.

The Realise Minas Tirith campaign profile states, “We all share a love of Tolkien’s work, and a desire to challenge the common perception of community and architecture. We believe that, in realising Minas Tirith, we can create not only the most remarkable tourist attraction on the planet, but also a wonderfully unique place to live and work.”

This architectural faction of LOTR fanboys has plans to build both commercial and residential properties. Much like Tolkien’s Minas Tirith, the replica’s residences will be ranked and located based on a star tier system, varying from 1-5—the stars denote the quality of the property and the level it resides. “A ‘3.4.2 property’, for instance, would be located in the 3rd tier of the city, be of a 4 star quality and have 2 bedrooms—perfect for a young family.”

Imagine a living, breathing capital of Gondor. A community forged in the fires of the ultimate cauldron of Lord of the Rings fandom. Think of the neighborhood gatherings and holiday celebrations. What a block party would look like? Would the neighborhood watch be on horseback strapped with sheathed blades, shields, and arrows? Or what about reenactments of the great siege by the armies of Mordor in the Return of the King? THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS! WHO WILL BE KING!? WHO WILL BE STEWARD? WHO?????!

The team behind this campaign asks its investors to only donate within their means, assuring its supporters that the project is “a light-hearted venture with virtually no chance of succeeding.” Given that their set goal is to raise nearly two billion pounds within 60 days. If they do end up raising the money, the team hopes to begin construction on the replica by the end of 2016, and complete the project by the end of 2023. The replica team is considering two undisclosed locations in Southern England countryside.

Meanwhile, a rival Kickstarter has already cropped up—one that aims to raise Sauron’s army and march on the massive endeavor. Which one will you back? Let us know in the comments.

Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France was the real life inspiration for the design of Minas Tirith in Lord of the Rings

Click here to check out the Realise Minas Tirith Indiegogo.

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