THE PAJAMA GAME

The Future Fades:
A Glimpse into Googie Architecture
by Bevan Brunelle Bluemer

During the five years I have lived in Arizona, I have driven past examples of Googie architecture many times without realizing the historical value of these distinctly cartoonish buildings and signs. Not until I found out more about David Ira Goldstein’s vision for our production of The Pajama Game did I start to discover and explore the bright, bold and timeless wonder of Googie.

With the sprawl of automobile-oriented post-World War II suburban development throughout the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s the abstract gravity-defying style of Googie emerged. At a time when Americans had their sights set on technological advancement and a positive, easy-going future, style and functionality converged in bright boomerang angles, emulating the upswept and space-aged tailfins on a 1958 Chevy.  The Jetsons cartoon is the quintessential example of this space-age style.

Googie Architecture Online lists some of the more common Googie elements as:

Upswept Roofs -- This was especially common in the prototypical Googie buildings: coffee shops. An upswept roof allowed larger glass windows up front. Sometimes these roofs also incorporated the boomerang shape. Either way, it made many buildings look as though they were about to take off and fly. Variations on this style included the parabolic roofs of early Bob's Big Boy restaurants, designed by Armet and Davis.

Large Domes -- Often made of concrete, this was an exotic new shape for buildings made possible by advances in construction technology. It evoked the environment-controlled space stations and extraterrestrial cities that appeared on the covers of science fiction books and magazines. Some domes were reminiscent of flying saucers. Examples include the Anaheim Convention Center, the Cinerama Dome, and even the glass top of the 1956 prototype Pontiac Firebird.

Large Sheet Glass Windows -- These served several purposes. First, a tall glass front made the building itself a living billboard to drivers on the streets outside. This was a major consideration now that car travel was a key element of commerce. Also, the vast windows brought the outside in and made a sunnier brighter atmosphere for those inside. Often, the use of sheet glass with thin but sturdy steel support structures made roofs appear to float.

Boomerang Shapes -- This shape appeared in nearly every corner of the design world in the 1950s, and architecture was no exception. It appeared in archways, roadside signs, pools (often called kidney-shaped), and tile mosaics. Outside architecture, the shape was echoed in butterfly chairs, Formica patterns, corporate logos and textile prints. The origins of the boomerang as a symbol of the jet- and space-age is a little hazy, but it may be related to the "flying wing" aircraft, the expressionist art of Paul Klee and Joan Miró, or simply the idea of an arrow shape pointing the way to progress.

Amoebae Shapes -- Sister of the boomerang, amoeboid shapes were amorphous blobs that appeared in many places, including roadside signs. Some suggest that these blobs were the predecessors of the boomerang. Some have also speculated that this design element came from World War II air defense camouflage patterns.

Atomic Models -- This design element appeared in everything from sculpture and roadsigns to dinnerware patterns and household appliances. The interlocking rings of the atomic model were a symbol of man's scientific ingenuity and represented the unlimited power that would make our future utopia possible. It also doubled as an (inaccurate) model of the solar system.

Starbursts -- An even more ubiquitous design element than the atomic model, the starburst took many forms. Just as the atomic model was shorthand for the "innerspace" scientists were exploring, starbursts were symbolic of the outer space being explored by astronauts. It also implied clean and shining surfaces.

Exposed steel beams -- These were usually more about appearance than function, but could serve both purposes. Painted steel I-beams often had geometric holes cut in them which served the dual purpose of making them lighter and enhancing their visual similarity to rocket gantries.

Flying Saucer Shapes -- Again, this motif was taken from the movies and covers of science fiction books and magazines. The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington is an excellent example.

In Arizona, we are fortunate to have many fine but (mostly) fading examples of Googie design.  On your drive to work, try to spot the Googie on your city’s streets, or if time allows take a weekend Googie tour through Arizona. Here are some points of interests you won’t want to miss:

In Tucson, you cannot drive north of Drachman on Oracle without spotting at least one original Googie motel. Miracle Mile was Tucson’s Googie epicenter in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Some architectural highlights are the Ghost Ranch Lodge, Tucson Inn, and Owl Lodge. Most famous of Tucson Googie-style motels would have to be Arizona Motel depicted on many vintage postcards and memorabilia. Get a glimpse of all of these locales at http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/arizona/azmotel/azothermotel/index3.htm.

Like a blast out of the Brady Bunch’s trip to Hawaii is Kon Tiki located at 4625 E. Broadway in Tucson. This casual lounge is where you can find exotic and potent drinks, yummy Polynesian fare and full Googie atmosphere. Check it out at www.kontiki-tucson.com.

In Phoenix, two prime contributors to Googie were the Dennys and Big Boy restaurant chains.  The first Dennys in Phoenix was at Van Buren and 32nd Street.  In almost-perfect condition this Dennys still stands proudly displaying the boomerang shape roof floating above a sheet glass wall.  Inside, a large shelf hovers above the original counter. Other historical examples include the Phoenix Financial Center (http://www.waltlockley.com/financial/financial.htm), and the AMF Christown Lanes at 1919 W. Bethany Home Road.

One of the most chic Googie locales in Arizona is the Hotel Valley Ho located at 6850 E. Main Street in Scottsdale. Accommodations at this urban resort are the epitome of Googie elegance with all-glass walls opening onto airy patios. Terrazzo tile baths behind translucent walls. Enjoy a cocktail at their classic tiki bar, Trader Vic’s or relax at the Oh Pool in an ultra swanky cabana. Visit them online at www.hotelvalleyho.com.  [Don’t miss out on the chance to create your own Pajama Party for New Year’s Eve at Hotel Valley Ho!  For more information, click here!]

Whether you define it to as a fun mid-twentieth-century trend or a kitschy fad, Googie architecture is unquestionably an iconic style that decorated an era of American history.  Its presence in Arizona Theatre Company’s production of The Pajama Game is sure to make for a bright and exuberant night of musical theatre!

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