Architecture Parlante ("Talking Architecture")

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About Architecture Parlante ("Talking Architecture")

The phrase architecture parlante (“talking architecture”) refers to the concept of buildings that explain their own function or identity.

Architecture parlante reached its height during the Beaux-Arts and Art Deco periods. Following World War II this approach to architecture became entirely devalued and was absent from nearly all new architecture, like all ornamentation was during that period. The idea became revived somewhat during the rise of postmodern architecture during the 1980s, but it is still quite rare among new buildings.

Programmatic architecture (also known as mimetic or novelty architecture), which mostly began in the 1920s, also sometimes uses architecture parlante, but instead of the ornament reflecting the function, the entire building is shaped to look like something related to its usage. However, novelty architecture is also very rare.

Many of these buildings have changed in use since construction, and thus differ from their current use, but they still belong in this group.

I'm also including buildings that are built with materials or colors that reference their usage; as well as doorknobs, light fixtures, and tables that are themed on the building's function.