Novelty architecture is a unique type of building that expresses itself through its unusually literal appearance. The purpose of this could be a way to advertise a product or create a tourist attraction. It is said that the style was created in the United States around the emergence of the car’s popularity, and the tradition of participating in road trips to the United States to see the famous novelty architecture is still common in American culture. Even the architecture of novelty can be known as programmatic or mimeticarchitecture. Sometimes novelty architecture buildings can also take the form of the objects they sell. In addition to advertising, novelty architecture is sometimes used to commemorate events.
Types of new architecture
There are three types of architectural projects grouped in novelty architecture.
- Programmatic architecture according to which buildings are “programmed” to imitate and publicize the functions of a particular building through the use of forms of animals, food or people. The style has also been used in the construction of towers and water tanks to attract tourists.
- Giant sculptures that were mainly used to attract customers, particularly through souvenir shops. These sculptures are unusually large representations of normal objects such as guitars. Buildings constructed in this style include the Golden Guitar in Australia, Mummy’s Cupboard in Mississippi and the Hat ‘n’ Boots service station in Seattle. These buildings are found along roads and in museums.
- Building buildings after famous monuments is used to replicate existing buildings or structures as an adaptation or imitation of an existing building to give the “feel” of such areas. Amusement parks, casinos and restaurants generally use this style.
Iconic architecture (unique for a brand), googie (which uses sharp angles and creative designs) and deconstructionism have also been considered a form of novelty architecture. Some architectural critics, however, argue that deconstruction is not a kind of novelty architecture.
Neglect of Novelty Architecture
While some buildings made in this style are still functioning, many are finished non-functional and in a state of disrepair. Since most of these buildings were built along the roads, the construction of interstate highways led to a reduction in traffic on previously trafficked roads that led to the death of these companies. Some buildings have been moved to other places, placed in museums or sold while others have been demolished.
Architecture new vs. contemporary architecture
Contemporary architecture and novelty has much in common. However, contemporary architecture is considered a modern architectural style that combines a variety of styles within. However, some critics of architecture argue that many of the styles in contemporary architecture are indeed, the architecture of novelty.
