Las Vegas Googie

Here is a video that shows the abundance of Googie architecture in Las Vegas.  I make no secret that I am a fan of Googie.  Ever since I first watched The Jetson's, I have been nostalgic for the future we never had.

Googie, as well as Populuxe, architecture began in the Los Angeles area in the late 1940s.  The name originated from John Lautner's Googie's Coffee Shop design in LA.  The style represented an outlandish but futuristic style of architecture that occasionally incorporated Polynesian or Tiki themes as well. Space travel and atomic energy were key design motifs of the period and were featured most often.




Googie architecture spread across the United States in all types of structures from bowling alleys and car dealerships to restaurants and gas stations.  Unfortunately, Googie architecture is looked down upon by many as being considered gauche.  Quite often these buildings are demolished or are in decrepit condition.  Fortunately, many local and national preservation groups are working to preserve some of the more historic examples.

Architecture+Design Film Series 2010 in Denver

If you are in the Denver area during September and October 2010, be sure to check out the Colorado screening of the following films as part of the Architecture+Design Film Series:

- Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio on September 15
- Oscar Niemeyer, A Vida E Um Sopro on September 22
- Studio Gang Architects: Aqua Tower and Philip Johnson: Diary of an Eccentric Architect on September 29
- William Krisel, Architect on October 6
- Contemporary Days - The Designs of Lucienne & Robin Day on Ocotber 7.

According to the Architecture+Design website, folks can watch "the best in films on architecture and design at five special screening events, including stimulating discussions with dynamic filmmakers, architects, and design experts, plus receptions at Denver's liveliest venues."  Moreover, there will be "a new exhibition of architectural drawings at Emmanuel Gallery on the Auraria Campus."

So, mark your calendars and enjoy!

Saint Louis Patina: Modern STL Launched

Saint Louis Patina: Modern STL Launched: "A group of local preservationists and friends have launched Modern-STL, a new non-profit dedicated to protecting modernist architecture in S..."