The Lego Architecture Blueprint for Low-code and AI-Driven Development

In the fast-paced world of software development, simplicity and agility are key to building systems that can scale and adapt to changing requirements. A well-thought-out engineering architecture can provide this foundation. 

In this blog, I want to share our approach to engineering architecture, which is tailored for the low-code and AI-driven world. 

Our approach to low-code architecture emphasizes a crucial principle: own your foundation and stay flexible with everything else. Like a sophisticated Lego creation, our architecture allows you to swap out pieces while maintaining a solid base - a layered architecture.

What is Layered Architecture?

Imagine building a Lego model where you own the baseplate (foundation) but can freely exchange all the blocks above it. Our design enforces a fundamental principle: all layer interactions must flow through well-defined APIs. This API-first approach ensures each layer remains independent and swappable, like perfectly engineered Lego blocks

1. The Foundation (Data Layer)
2. The Middle Connectors (API Logic Layer)
3. The Top Finishing Blocks (User Application Layer)

Each layer plays a crucial role, just as each Lego piece fits into the model to create something functional and beautiful. Let’s break down these layers further.

1. The Foundation: Data Layer

Every Lego creation needs a strong foundation. In our architecture, the Data Layer is that foundation. This layer stores and manages all the critical data, ensuring stability and support for the entire structure.

For our foundation, we will use Supabase–we use this extensively–for the Lego base, offering:

• A robust, scalable database solution based on PostgreSQL.
• Built-in authentication and storage.
• Real-time capabilities for event-driven applications.

Like a Lego baseplate anchors the entire model, the Data Layer anchors our architecture. By owning and controlling these foundational blocks, we ensure the rest of the layers can easily plug into and rely on them.

2. The Middle Connectors: API Logic Layer

Think of the API Logic Layer as the Lego connectors that hold the foundation and the top layers together. These blocks define how data flows and interacts with the user-facing components.

For the API logic layer, we will use Buildship to design these connecting pieces, allowing us to:

• Quickly design and implement RESTful APIs.
• Define and orchestrate workflows that integrate data from the foundation.
• Seamlessly connect to Supabase.

With modular connectors, the other Lego blocks—the user applications—can be quickly implemented, ensuring smooth interaction and data flow.

3. The Top Finishing Blocks: User Application Layer

Finally, the user-facing applications are like the decorative blocks that complete the Lego model. These blocks determine how the model looks and functions for users.

For this layer, we will use Outsystems and Webflow, which allow us to:

• Build responsive web and mobile applications.
• Rapidly iterate on designs and features.
• Plug seamlessly into the API connectors.

Just as you can swap out Lego pieces to change the appearance of a model, our plug-and-play philosophy ensures we can replace or enhance tools in this layer without affecting the foundation or connectors.

Why the Foundation Data Layer Matters Most

In any Lego creation, a sturdy foundation ensures the structure stands firm. Similarly, our architecture’s Data Layer is the cornerstone. By owning and centralizing this layer, we:

• Preserve complete control and ensure data integrity.
• Enable seamless integration across layers.
• Mitigate vendor lock-in for tools in the API Logic and User Application layers.

With the data layer as the firm foundation, the rest of the system—like interchangeable Lego blocks—remains flexible and adaptable.

Why Low-Code Tools Provide a Perfect Platform for Adapting AI

Low-code tools not only simplify development but also provide an ideal foundation for integrating AI in the future. Here’s why:

1. Agility in Adapting AI: Low-code platforms are inherently agile and have strong incentives to incorporate AI capabilities into their workflows. 
2. Perfect Context Window for AI: Low-code tools inherently structure workflows and documentation in a way that provides an excellent context window for AI systems. This structured data allows AI to learn about the system and understand its operation better, creating a seamless integration process.
3. AI Agents Trained for Specific Systems: These tools enable the development of AI agents specifically trained on their platform. Such agents can handle feature requests, implement changes, and adapt the system to new requirements with minimal human intervention.

This evolution positions low-code tools as a bridge to the future's agent-based workflows, where AI agents can autonomously manage and enhance system functionalities.

Conclusion

Our layered architecture—anchored by the Data Layer and enhanced by low-code tools—is like a well-designed Lego model. Each layer is a carefully chosen block that fits perfectly into the system, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and maintainability. By embracing this approach, we’ve built a system that can grow and evolve like a Lego masterpiece.

This analogy demonstrates how combining simplicity with modern tools can create robust architectures. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or new to the concept, envisioning architecture as Lego blocks makes it easier to understand and appreciate.

In the next blog, we will cover how this architecture can easily transition to AI agent-based architecture–the future of engineering.

‍