From Googie to Google

In Learning from Las Vegas, three authors examine the unique architecture and signage of Las Vegas, which they argue can be both functional and expressive. The book challenges conventional architectural norms and lays the foundation for the postmodern architectural movement. During this time, an architectural style built on these same principles was developing in southern California. Adjusting to America's post-war, fast-paced modern lifestyle, Googie architecture was influenced by a futuristic, car-centric culture and designed with the intent to grab one's attention while driving.

How might the authors, Brown, Venturi, and Izenour respond to an architectural website in the 21st century whose technological algorithms are designed and programmed with the intent to grab a user's attention as they scroll or swipe? One of the most popular contemporary Architecture publication websites, Archdaily, and even Pinterest contain an ever-expanding library of updated news, images, and inspiration related to the industry; however, is there a cost to accessing all of this content?

In recent years, I learned about the website, Divisare - At first, it seems to echo similar architecture websites like Archdaily and Dezeen, but upon taking a deeper look, the library of content is more thoroughly classified with a vast library of thoughtfully refined topics to explore. Furthermore, the screenshot below is an attempt by the creators to communicate their intent to "take a stand against the short attention architecture media" toward the bottom of the home page.

Most of Googie Architecture is now gone. A fad. However, the buildings that remain are largely preserved by close admirers of the style, which represented a significant time period in post-war, fast-paced America. Will website publishers who take their content further, like Divisare, rise to rival those of the quick, distracted, and advertisement-filled Archdaily's and Pinterest's and Google's of the world?