Saturday, September 11, 2010

Idea #7 - Sunsphere retro-futurist bar

Yes, I'm aware that that the goofy golden globe has already hosted its share of drinking establishments over the past 28 years. Here's how my Sunsphere bar would be different:

First, let's all acknowledge that the Sunsphere itself -  that oddly-shaped, not-quite-landmark; that glittering priapic monument to a largely forgotten (but not by me, tee hee!) international exposition - is ridiculous. Beyond ridiculous, it is, in fact, ridonkulous. And not in a good way.

Now, you may say, "Patrick, it looks kind of silly now, but at the time....well, at the time, it was awesome," and I will acknowledge that your statement is correct. The problem is that the Sunsphere represents an early 1980's vision of the future, and, for some reason, most of us still haven't discovered how to appreciate that flavor of futurism ironically. We certainly love futurist architecture from the 50's, 60's, & 70's - but from the 80's? Well it just looks kind of goofy and dorky now. 

Okay, so I presumably have a point? Yes, and here it is: embrace the goofy charm of the Sunsphere. Embrace, and enhance. Design the bar as 1982's vision of a drinking spot in 2010. Think the bridge of the Enterprise D mixed with a Delorean DMC-12, with TRON and Blade Runner seasoning, baked up in a big pan of Return of the Jedi. 

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