A Guide to Googie Architecture

Googie architecture is something that you've probably seen before and never really given it much thought. This type of architecture is also referred to as doo-wop or populuxe, depending on the describer and their school of thought. It encompasses novelty buildings that have a futuristic slant. These buildings originally came about as the popularity of cars increased.

Buildings that fall under the googie architecture banner are typically found on the side of roads and along major highways. The reason they were made as a novelty was because they hoped to catch the eye of passing travelers and make them pull off the road or stop to take a closer look. Stores, hotels and even gas stations incorporated this style because the thought was that if the car stopped, the people inside would buy.

The first googie architecture buildings appeared in the 1940s and were primarily found in parts of southern California. The style died off in the 1960s, but by that point it encompassed more styles and more areas, as well as different types of buildings. Bowling alleys were even made in the googie style.

Googie buildings often used modern elements and materials in their construction. Neon glass and signs were popular, as was the use of steel and glass. Designers typically used curving walls and geometric shapes in the building. The rooflines were never flat or ordinary in appeal either, but usually featured one side sweeping upward.

The buildings created during this era also incorporated America's fascination with science fiction and the still yet to be discovered world in space. Flying saucers were often used in the design, such as a gas station shaped like a UFO. These designs usually had a futuristic feel, giving Americans the belief that in the future, all buildings would look like this.

The googie name comes from Googie's coffee shop, a Los Angeles staple. Located on the corner Crescent Heights and Sunset Boulevard, the building was designed by John Lautner who used as many elements of googie as possible. A 1952 article written by Douglas Haskell popularized the googie name. Unfortunately that original building was torn down and no longer exists.

Googie architecture has its roots in Los Angeles because at one point this was the center of the car crazy world. Residents were flocking to the suburbs in increasing numbers and stores needed to branch out to keep up with the changing times. Creating buildings that had an unusual shape or design ensured that customers would remember them in the future.

During this era businesses shifted to a logo or design that customers around the world recognized. Some good examples of this are the golden arches of McDonald's and Bob's Big Boy. Businesses changed in other ways too as they shifted to incorporate the new vehicles. The idea of drive-in restaurants and drive-in movie theaters were suddenly popular. Some even claim that googie grew out of the drive-in theater world, with its circular shape and design.

One of the more famous architects working in this style was Wayne McAllister who designed Bob's Big Boy, a California landmark in 1949. Oddly enough he wasn't trained nor did he have a degree to practice architecture. Instead he met with his clients directly and determined what they needed to draw in more customers. Other architects included Helen Liu Fong, John Lautner and Eldon Davis and Louis Armet.

Sadly a large number of googie buildings no longer exist today. These buildings were popular during their own era, but less popular in later years. As they no longer served a need or purpose, many were destroyed. Today all that exists are a few photographs and memories. Some of the more famous googie buildings that still stand include the Space Needle, the Hollywood Bowl and the Las Vegas sign.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googie_architecture

http://www.spaceagecity.com/googie/