"Googie" architecture is known by many different names: Jet Age, Doo-Wop, Space Age, Populuxe and even Coffee Shop Modern. Overall, this style is defined by the modern, space-age look that can be seen in the 1960s cartoon show, 'The Jetsons.' While it may seem like a stretch today, this particular period of architecture represented progress.
Origins of Googie Architecture
Googie was born in Los Angeles, California in the 1940s. It was a flashy and attractive style of architecture that was created to bring in customers.
Originally, Googie architecture began in a series of coffee shops designed by John Lautner. Lautner used large glass walls, vaulted ceilings and angled architecture to catch the eye of those who passed by. In 1949, one of the coffee shops was named "Googie," and the rest became history.
Characteristics of Googie Architecture
Buildings designed with the Googie style in mind had many similarities, yet all still seemed to have their own design. Colors and design themes could vary from building to building, as well as many other minor details. Googie was meant to be futuristic, modern and above all: flashy.
One of the more popular attributes of Googie architecture is the boomerang shapes that were incorporated in a variety of ways. It was not uncommon to see boomerang shapes being used as rooftops, company logos, chairs, tables, textile prints and more.
Upswept roofs were also extremely popular. These roofs allowed for larger windows and became especially popular in coffee shops. It also allowed the building to appear as if it were lifting off into space.
Steel beams were also used, however more often than not for decoration and appearance rather than for function. Frequently, these beams would have geometric holes, squares, triangles and other modern patterns cut into them.
Amoebae shapes, large domes, atomic models, flying saucers and starbursts were also part of Googie architecture. All of these shapes and designs represented progress and 'moving forward.' They symbolized to the people around them that everything, including architecture, was moving forward in some way or another.
Famous Googie Architecture
Perhaps one of the most famous of all Googie structures still standing today, is the Seattle Space Needle designed by Edward E. Carlson, in Washington. In 1962, the theme of the World Fair was to be 'Century 21,' and the Space Needle fit perfectly.
Another great way to see Googie buildings is to take a trip down Route 66. Route 66 was loaded in the 1950s and 1960s with Googie style hotels, motels, shops and more. Unfortunately, large sections of Route 66 are on the verge of being shut down and many of the buildings along the way are being torn down.
Today, very few Googie styled buildings remain, but their futuristic style will live on in history.
