Novelty architecture

Novelty architecture is a type of architecture that is characterized by its unusual design, often taking the form of everyday objects or symbols. This style of architecture is often used for commercial buildings to attract attention and draw in customers.

History

The history of novelty architecture can be traced back to the 19th century, when businesses began using unique and eye-catching designs to stand out from their competitors. One of the earliest examples of this is the Elephant of the Bastille, a giant elephant statue in Paris that served as a tourist attraction in the early 1800s.

In the United States, the trend of novelty architecture became popular in the 20th century, particularly during the era of the Route 66 roadside attractions. These included buildings shaped like giant donuts, hats, and other objects.

Examples

Some of the most famous examples of novelty architecture include the Big Duck in Flanders, New York, which is a building shaped like a duck and was originally used to sell ducks and duck eggs. Another example is the Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, which was shaped like a derby hat.

In Australia, there are numerous examples of novelty architecture, often referred to as "Australia's Big Things". These include the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the Big Pineapple in Woombye.

Criticism and appreciation

While some people appreciate novelty architecture for its whimsy and creativity, others criticize it as being kitschy or tacky. Despite this, many examples of novelty architecture have become beloved landmarks and tourist attractions.

See also

• Architecture
• Landmark
• Tourist attraction