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What is "Entertainment Architecture"?

By , About.com Guide

Team Disney Building by Michael Graves

The Team Disney Building in Burbank, California by Michael Graves

Photo Copyright Mary Ann Sullivan, Digital Imaging Project
Definition:

You might suppose that "entertainment architecture" is the architecture of theaters and amusement parks. Certainly many of those buildings do illustrate the concept. However, the term "entertainment architecture" can refer to any building or structure, regardless of its function, provided that it is designed to stimulate the imagination and encourage fantasy.

Some works of entertainment architecture are playful recreations of famous monuments. Some feature enormous statues and fountains. Entertainment architecture is often considered Postmodern because it uses familiar shapes and details in unexpected ways.

Examples:

Perhaps the most striking illustrations of Entertainment Architecture are the amusing hotels of Las Vegas. The Luxor, for example, is designed to resemble a giant pyramid filled with oversized imitations of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

You will also find many examples of Entertainment Architecture in Disney World and other theme parks. The Swan & Dolphin Hotels designed by Michael Graves may be considered Entertainment Architecture.

Related Architecture Words

PostmodernismGoogie

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