The popularity of crowdfunding projects over the last few years has made what used to seem impossible possible for many artists and inventors. Some of the most creative and innovative products on the market are started with a crowdfunding campaign. Now, an “ambitious team of architects and structural engineers” that is being headed by civil engineer Jonathan Wilson wants to fund the largest project ever conceived by a crowdfunding group: to build a full-sized version of Minas Tirith from the Lord of the Rings movies. The project has a whopping budget of $2.8 billion dollars, and if funded, work will begin in Northern England in 2016. It is estimated that the project will take more than 15 years.
On their indiegogo funding page, Wilson says, “We all share a love of Tolkien’s work, and a desire to challenge the common perception of community and architecture,” states the project’s Indiegogo page. “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.”
Who wouldn’t want to live here?
For a mere $156,450 dollar pledge (100,000 GBP), you can actually be a Lord/Lady of the envisioned Minas Tirith. This pledge “Grants you and your family exclusive access to all areas of the city, excluding private residences and businesses, and also permits use of horse-drawn carriages for transport. You will receive priority on property purchases, direct communication links to us (the developers) and a seat on the city’s Executive Committee. You will also be invited to many annual exclusive events.”
