Frank Gehry Appears On The Simpsons

What does the appearance of a star architect the animated TV series tell us about the standing of architecture in popular culture?

1 minute read

April 27, 2005, 8:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"Big news: Architects have finally made inroads where it counts -- American pop culture...This was Frank Gehry in all his animated glory, designing a right-angles-be-damned concert hall for Springfield, hometown of Bart et al.

Which shows two things. The notion of architects as celebrities has taken hold in American society; at the same time, the impact of the trend beyond name recognition goes only so far -- and it is ripe for ridicule along the way.

More and more, especially with cultural facilities, star wattage counts. Institutions look to familiar names and flamboyant designs because the extra buzz helps attract attention..."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: Culture of celebrity embraces pop-star architects

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 in The San Francisco Chronicle

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