The Space Age aesthetic within the interior design world began to materialize, a reflection of its domineering presence in popular culture. Designed with the intention of being simple and easy to replicate, this golden arch design is one of the earliest and most successful examples of architectural branding. Designed by architect Stanley C Meston, to capture the attention of those passers-by, the structure features two parabolic arches in yellow, designed to mimic the M within the McDonald's logo. Image © Mary Anne EnriquezĪs the oldest surviving restaurant in the chain, the McDonalds in Downey, California (1953) is another classic example of Googie architecture. Save this picture! The Worlds first McDonalds (1953), California. A world of robots and space ships, a vision of the future soon to come. As excitement grew so did imaginations, Lost in Space aired between 1965-1968 showed viewers a futuristic family of space colonists who veered off course into the unknowns of space. TV shows such as The Jetsons (1962-1963) portrayed these visions presenting a futuristic environment saturated with visualizations of Googie architecture. The thrill of adventure was heightened through depictions on television, which was high-tech in itself. The birth of atomic science brought the promise of futuristic societies powered by nuclear energy and the space race made many realize that humans may soon venture into the unknowns of Space. There was a feeling of anticipation and excitement. Googie exemplified this very sanguine outlook, it was accessible and reflected an aura of optimism, optimism of a high-tech future. Neon signs popularized between the 1920’s and 50’s were paragon in the ensnarement of this attention, with an amalgamation of vivid colors and exuberant architectural forms. A Googie building would symbolize that a business was with the times, proving popular with visitors. To captivate and capitalize on commuters, businesses needed captivating new buildings to catch the attention of passers-by. Image via Lost in Space, 1965-1968 / Irwin AllenĪfter the catastrophic events of WW2, suburbs in the US grew dramatically. Save this picture! The Robinson Family on their home the Jupiter 2 spaceship. Influences including car culture and both the space and atomic age offered a basis for these new and outlandish architectural forms. It presents forms symbolic of that of motion, visualizations of flying saucers, atoms etc. Popular in the design of gas stations, motels and coffee houses, the style is characterized by its heavy use of glass, steel, neon, up-swept roofs and geometric shapes. The rise of Googie architecture in the US from the mid-’40s to the '70s originated in California. The Space Age aesthetic completely changed the way designers visualized the new world and left a dramatic impression on architecture and interiors. The era would give way to rapid advancements in technology and huge accomplishments including the moon landing in 1969. Upon the closure of WW2, both the Soviets and the Allies found themselves in a state of antagonism, as they both began to struggle to make advancements in space exploration before the other, a race for space. The dawn of nuclear power, dramatic advances in rocketry, and the desire to be the first to put men into space and on the moon, kick-started an era known as the ‘Space Age’.
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