This special edition of Fund This features what very well may be the most epic geek campaign ever. A group of architects has launched Realise Minas Tirith, a crowdfunding venture to raise the equivalent of almost $3 billion to build a functional, livable Minas Tirith in the south of England.
Minas Tirith, of course, was the capital city of Gondor. It was also called “The White City” as its courtyard held The White Tree. The city was featured heavily in The Lord of the Rings trilogy film The Return of the King for the final battle against the forces of Mordor and the coronation of Aragorn.
The campaign’s leader, Jonathan Wilson, states on the campaign page:
“We are a team of Tolkien fans who are passionate about creating a beautiful, inspirational and fully-functioning replica of Peter Jackson’s depiction of Minas Tirith, as seen in his Lord of the Rings films. 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 could create not only the most remarkable tourist attraction on the planet, but also a wonderfully unique place to live and work.”
They had me at Tolkien. I would give up every vacation ever to own a little flat in this gorgeous city. This is what gorgeous architecture and a deep and abiding love of story will get you, my friends. So far, the campaign has raised just over $127,000 and has 43 days left.
Of course, there is already a campaign to Destroy Minas Tirith because Orcs are jerks, but no one is backing it. Stick that in yer eye, Sauron.
Oh my fellowship of geeks, wouldn’t it be amazing if this campaign succeeded? Even Wilson admits there is little chance of funding the project, citing they will refund every cent donated if their goal is not met, but I love that they were willing to put this dream out there. To even think it out and begin design work in a way that it could actually be realized if it had a backing. Maybe the fans will show enough interest that an investor will come along and provide the rest? If it does happen, I’m in. Even though I really belong in Rivendell, I’d still embrace this amazing city of men and women.
Happy Funding!
