The Midcentury Architecture of the Space Age in 5 Essential Googie Buildings
Bold structures and upswept roofs combined with glass, neon, and fluorescent lights invaded the streets of Los Angeles and neighboring cities and later expanded to Las Vegas, Seattle, Phoenix, New York, and beyond.
From the late 1940s and far into the 1960s, roadside businesses—gas stations, motels, car washers, drive-in restaurants, coffee shops—as well as entertainment venues, like bowling alleys, cinemas, auditoriums, and even churches, started evoking flying saucers, launching pads, and airstrips, while commercial signage began displaying stars, blasts, boomerangs, parabolas, comets, and other astronomical and atomic figures.
This combination of galactic shapes with neon outlines couldn't be ignored and would become a staple of the American midcentury lifestyle, not to mention an effective marketing tool to attract passing motorists. The golden arches of McDonald's, originally an architectural feature of the restaurant and later the main element of its logo, were conceived during this time.
Using various architectural, design, news, and travel sources, Living Spaces chose five iconic Googie buildings that hark back to simpler times, when outer space seemed just within reach and flickering lights on the way home compelled people to imagine the future.
A crowd pleaser: 300 Bowl in Phoenix
On 300 Bowl's opening day in 1958, ads hailed this eye-catching red-and-white structure with soaring triangular roofs as "America's most beautiful family recreation center."
The bowling alley and diner have been turning heads ever since, though the name of the architect who designed it remains a mystery to this day. Three exaggerated-angle rooftops reached for the sky, while large sheet glass windows brought in generous sunlight and afforded patrons a view of the outdoors surrounded by palm trees.
The building, one of the few surviving Googie-style landmarks in Phoenix, still operates today as the AMF Christown Lanes.
Watch your step: Theme Building in Los Angeles
The iconic structure, which greets millions of travelers every year, was a result of a collaboration between many leading names in LA architecture: Gin Wong, a chief architect; Paul R. Williams, an American architect; and leading firms Pereira & Luckman Associates and Welton Becket & Associates.
Built in 1961, the structure was once home to a restaurant and an observation deck offering 360-degree views of the newly built airport around it. As the airport and traffic grew around the building, however, business suffered, and increased security post-9/11 made it even more difficult to roam the airport as travelers once did.
However, the building is set to take its place in the spotlight again. The city is building an elevated electric train expected to open in 2024 that will run on the north side of the iconic structure, level to its glass-enclosed body.
Currently, the Theme Building houses the Bob Hope USO organization.
Everybody lookin' at me: TWA Flight Center in New York
In 2019, Eero Saarinen's landmark TWA Flight Center—originally a terminal for the defunct Trans World Airlines—was reborn as a hotel, the only one inside John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
Built in 1962, Saarinen was commissioned to design not just a terminal but a grand structure representing and advertising the airline, an assignment he flourished. The terminal embodied modernity, featuring an elevated footbridge, large windows, and red velvet lounge chairs. Red carpet whisked travelers to and from the terminal.
From the outside, its aerodynamic design (a key component of Googie architecture) features a four-part thin-shell concrete rooftop composed of slanting and angled segments that, together, resemble a bird or a supersonic jet in flight.
Let's spin: Space Needle in Seattle
Midcentury society's fascination with the Space Age was crystalized at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. It left an eternal witness of the city's forward-thinking spirit and a skyline icon: the Space Needle.
The 605-foot-tall structure's UFO-shaped top features 360-degree indoor and outdoor city views and the awe-inspiring natural landscapes surrounding it. The Space Needle was first imagined by hotel executive and 1962 World's Fair Chief Organizer Edward E. Carlson, who doodled his idea on a paper napkin. Carlson's musings were realized by architect John "Jack" Graham Jr., who designed the top house, and architect Victor Steinbrueck, who conceived the hourglass-shaped tower based on an abstract sculpture of a woman dancer.
Your Highness: Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California
In the mid-1960s, architect Adrian Wilson was entrusted with creating an eye-catching arena in Anaheim that would fit in seamlessly with the futuristic aesthetics of Disneyland's Tomorrowland, located across the street from the multipurpose venue.
Wilson took his assignment seriously. Faithful to the reigning architectural style of the time, in 1967, he landed a spaceship among palm trees, so to speak. Anaheim was already predicted to be a tourist epicenter in Southern California by then, and the original Googie-style building boded well.
Since it opened, the convention center has hosted the likes of the Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and the "King of Rock and Roll" himself, Elvis Presley. After seven expansions over five decades, the Anaheim Convention Center spans 53 acres.
Common Questions About Googie Interior Design
What are the defining characteristics of Googie interior design?
Googie interior design is characterized by its futuristic, optimistic, and often whimsical aesthetic, heavily influenced by the Space Age and atomic era of the mid-20th century. Look for boomerang shapes, starbursts, abstract geometric patterns, and bold, contrasting colors like turquoise, orange, and yellow, often paired with sleek, modern materials.
How can I incorporate Googie elements into a modern home without it feeling like a costume?
To achieve a contemporary Googie feel, select a few key statement pieces, such as a uniquely shaped coffee table or a vibrant, geometric rug, and pair them with neutral, modern furniture. Consider incorporating Googie-inspired accent lighting or artwork to add personality without overwhelming the space.
What types of furniture and materials best suit a Googie-inspired living room?
Opt for furniture with clean lines, curved edges, and often a low profile, reminiscent of mid-century modern styles but with a more dynamic flair. Materials like polished chrome, laminate, vinyl, and brightly colored upholstery are perfect for capturing the Googie spirit, creating a look that is both stylish and durable.
Is Googie interior design practical for families with young children or pets?
While Googie's bold patterns and materials can be fun, practicality is key. Look for durable, easy-to-clean fabrics like performance velvet or tightly woven synthetics for upholstery, and consider furniture with rounded edges to minimize potential hazards for little ones and furry friends.
How does Googie interior design hold up in terms of long-term style and value?
Googie's unique and nostalgic appeal has cemented its place as a distinctive design era, offering a timelessly cool aesthetic. By thoughtfully integrating its iconic elements with modern functionality and quality craftsmanship, Googie-inspired spaces can offer enduring visual interest and a unique selling proposition.