Friday Funny: $2 Billion in Crowdfunding Sought for Replica of Middle Earth's Minas Tirith

If you always thought you'd fit in better in Middle Earth than Anywhere, U.S.A., a group of architects and engineers would like to give you a chance to test your theory.

1 minute read

August 14, 2015, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"A group of architects and structural engineers are running an Indiegogo campaign to lift Tolkein’s fantastical city of Minas Tirith out of Middle Earth and plop it right into middle England," according to an article by Jane Mountain. The $3 billion fundraising goal in 60 days is probably almost as far-fetched as the works of Tolkien, but, hey, you have to start somewhere.

Mountain also quotes this passage from the crowdfunding site to explain the thinking behind the idea, which would "challenge the common perception of community and architecture," and "in realizing 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."

If you can't get enough of this idea, Ethan Chiel provides additional coverage on Fusion.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 in Inhabitat

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business