5 Times Architecture Made Big Impressions For Commercial Advertisements

Designing in an urban context allows architects to produce one-of-a-kind projects, and as such, commercial architecture serves as a representation of creative thinking as well as an extension of the building owner's character.

Mimetic or Novelty Architecture

Novelty architecture, termed 'mimetic' or 'programmatic,' embodies flamboyance and quirkiness, designed to captivate and allure visitors by extravagantly imitating something else. Originating in the United States, spurred by car travel culture, these structures aimed to stand out to fast-passing travelers. Initially roadside attractions, they've evolved, now encompassing diverse attention-grabbing buildings, notably casinos.

Exploring the globe reveals the vibrant and eccentric forms of existing novelty architecture, showcasing outrageous designs and bold colors that continue to attract attention today.

Here are five examples of how architecture has made a major impression in commercial advertisements:

1. The Big Chicken in Georgia

Dave Longaberger, founder of The Longaberger Company, displayed fervent enthusiasm for novelty architecture by commissioning a headquarters resembling the company's signature basket in 1997. The seven-story building, a local landmark in Newark, Ohio, accommodated 500 employees and attracted attention from passersby. However, business struggles led to its closure in 2015.

Despite plans to convert it into a boutique hotel by a local developer in 2017, the efforts failed. Presently, the distinct basket-shaped building remains unsold and is listed for sale again, underscoring the challenges of repurposing unconventional architectural designs.