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What is Architecture Parlante?

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Architecture parlante, literally "speaking architecture", is architecture designed to express its purpose. For example, a courthouse might be designed with themes of justice. Architecture parlante may use analogy but isn't typically abstract.
The style is associated with fast food restaurants shaped like hamburgers and library towers shaped like books. Architecture parlante tends to be ornate and decorative. As such, it wasn't very common from the 1940s-2010s as decorative designs mostly gave way to modern minimalism. Recently there is renewed interest in architecture parlante, particularly amongst architects who feel that less is boring.
Overview: Architecture Parlante
Type
Architectural Style
Definition
Architecture designed to express its purpose.
Example
The Los Angeles Public Library (1925) by architect Bertram Goodhue is considered a brilliant example of Architecture Parlante with its large murals of California's history (photo above).
Related Concepts
Aesthetics In Design
Analogy

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