"As a lifelong LEGO enthusiast and proud Iranian, I wanted to use the medium of LEGO not just for creativity but as a cultural bridge. Persepolis, with its grandeur and historical depth, represents a profound part of our heritage. I felt it deserved to be immortalized in a format that is globally recognized, engaging, and accessible to younger generations and international audiences alike,” stated Melbourne based Iranian Zoroastrian Ramtin Farokhnejad who is garnering public support towards the creation of a LEGO model of Persepolis. He has envisaged the Persepolis model to be along the lines of other architectural wonders for adult fans of LEGO such as the 10,001-piece LEGO Eiffel Tower, 9,036-piece Colosseum, 5,900-piece Taj Mahal. Once the ceremonial capital of the Achemenid Empire (550-330 BC) in southwest Iran, Persepolis was destroyed in a fire when Alexander’s army took over the complex. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Top, l and above: proposed LEGO model of Persepolis;
top r: Gate of All Nations Photo: Wikipedia;
above r: Ramtin Farokhnejad
"Although the official timeline allows for 588 days to gather 10,000 votes... reaching 10,000 votes within the next two-and-a-half months would significantly strengthen the case for LEGO to approve this project early. More importantly, it would open the door to proposing a full-scale model of Persepolis, including the majestic Apadana (ceremonial building) and staircases,” stated Farokhnejad in his initial email to Parsiana on June 10, 2025.
"I launched the project on the LEGO Ideas platform in April 2024. So far, the model has received over 1,600 votes, but momentum slowed after the recent Iran-Israel war in the region. I’m working to reignite interest and reach the 10,000 votes required for LEGO’s official review,” he clarified in the first week of July. The enthusiast further explained, "LEGO Ideas is a community-driven platform where fans submit designs. If a project reaches 10,000 votes, LEGO’s official team evaluates its feasibility. The final product, if approved, is designed in collaboration with LEGO’s own experts. I created the initial design using BrickLink Studio, a LEGO-supported digital tool. The 18,000-piece proposed model reflects the Gate of All Nations (also known as the Gate of Xerxes located in the ruins of Persepolis) and Apadana, designed entirely by myself. There is no financial commitment required to submit or promote a LEGO Ideas project. LEGO handles the production and distribution if a design is approved.”
Born in Tehran, 42-year-old Farokhnejad, has taken up residence in Melbourne, Australia for the last two-and-a-half years where he is currently working for GalaxyCity as the head of Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, with a strong focus on innovation and digital infrastructure. "I maintain strong cultural and emotional ties to Iran which continues to inspire my work… I hold deep respect and pride for my Zoroastrian heritage and am always open to engaging with the community, especially through cultural initiatives like this,” he said.
To him "Persepolis is more than a monument — it’s a symbol of Iranian identity, sophistication and unity under Cyrus and Darius the Great.” His passion for architecture and LEGO as a medium led him to self-learn 3D modeling, historical research and visual storytelling over the past year. This is more than a model, it’s a message. A message that our history, our art, and our identity matter and belong on the world stage.” Seeking support through votes for his Persepolis LEGO project on https://beta.ideas.lego.com/product-ideas/5c6d9431-e8ce-40d2-9f31-8dcb1c619340, he reiterates, "It’s a tribute to our roots and a gift to future generations.”
Ramtin’s father Sirous, who passed away 25 years ago, was an engineer and his mother Mehrdokht, now retired, was a high school English teacher. He has two older sisters, Ramesh and Rashel, one holding a PhD in biochemistry, and the other is a practicing optometrist. While Ramtin’s daily schedule doesn’t always allow for formal rituals, he states that "the core values of our faith — good thoughts, good words and good deeds guide my actions and mindset in both personal and professional life.”