What better epitomizes the visionary futuristic-utopia of the 20th century than the Jetsons? Created in 1962 the prime-time animated sitcom took place in 2062… looking 100 years into the future. Besides the futuristic gadgets and gizmos-surely ahead of their time-the architectural influence is clearly that of Googie design. Including “upswept roofs, curvaceous, geometric shapes, and bold use of glass, steel and neon, Googie was also characterized by space-age designs that depict motion, such as boomerangs, flying saucers, atoms and parabolas, and free-form designs such as ‘soft’ parallelograms and the ubiquitous artist’s-palette motif.” (Source)
Two prominent Googie designs clearly inspired the architectural structure used in the Jetsons series. Saarinen’s TWA terminal and the Seattle Space Needle. Worth noting is that both structures opened in 1962, the same year the Jetsons originally aired. In one of the 24 episodes, “A Date with Jet Screamer”, Judy Jetson is taken on her date with Jet Screamer to The Fun Pad, a space-age amusement park with Ferris Wheels, roller-coasters, and spinning rides. Coincidentally, Astro Land on Coney Island opened in 1962. It’s really quite rare and interesting that these architectural structures and their timelines, being so technically and aesthetically advanced for there time, would be simultaneously depicted in a prime-time animated sitcom—truly visionary.
By Amy Thyr
April 14th, 2011
The religion of The Atom died with Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. With that fall from grace came the end of many of our utopian dreams. A responsible future of conservation and organic carrots just wasn’t very exciting.
Although widespread use of the atom remains controversial; 436 reactors remain the source of 15 per cent of the world’s electricity. In some European countries atomic power accounts for over one third of electrical generation. China has 27 under construction.
Despite the decades of public relations and meaningful scientific progress the atomic genie is still threatening. The fundamental parable of science for good or evil is still a question mark. We are now living in the ‘future’ and we are all part of the ongoing experiment.
April 8th, 2011
Ultra Swank – Your one stop blog for retro living, style and design
Ultra Swank takes you back in time into the kitsch, chic and swank living of the 50s, 60s and the 70s. We mainly focus on the design, architecture and the lifestyle of the happy-go-lucky and space-age-living mentality of that era – but also on the music and movies that takes you back to happier times. Ultra Swank is run by Chris, a Swede born in the wrong decade that currently resides in Barcelona. Read more
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Atomic power was projected to be very cheap. We were going to have electricity coming out of our ears! We would not have to import oil from crazy foreigners or dig up whole states looking for coal.
Utility companies and government agencies around the world took up the chant of the mighty atom. Nuclear power plants were seen as a springboard for third world countries to leap out of poverty and hunger. The symbol of electrons swirling around a nucleus looked cool and made keen designs for everything from lamps to automobile logos. Wildly illustrated magazine articles about a glorious ‘atomic age’ sold to junior mad-scientists and future minded suburban families. Atomic energy was a very bright and shiny promise.
Limitless power! The concept was intoxicating. We could air-condition entire cities, de-salt sea water, fly around the world on a pound of fuel, colonize space and then melt the ice-caps just for fun. Impossible notions of miniaturized atomic power cells spun fables of soon to come atomic powered cars, planes and even vacuum cleaners. Scientists started tests to see if hydrogen bombs could carve out instant canals and harbors.
April 1st, 2011
No modern technology has ever had such a schizophrenic and complicated identity as Atomic Energy. It is often presented in mystical terms. A Pandora’s Box of knowledge that cannot be unlearned. The magical Genie that can do both help or harm but cannot be returned to his bottle. Nuclear Power is the ultimate parable of modern science.
With the use of atomic bombs at the end of World War II the world became aware of the god-like power of atomic fission. Newsreels of the horrible destruction and disfigured civilians created a closet of guilty conscience.
But stronger than the fears and guilt was optimism. There seemed to be no limit to what modern technology could accomplish. The idea of transforming the evil power that could destroy the world into an ultimate energy source to help mankind was irresistible. The peaceful use of atomic power; what would come to be called “Atoms for Peace”.
March 23rd, 2011
Let’s kick off the new year by spending some of that hard earned money at the local shopping center. Perhaps a new color television, that black suit that’s now on sale or why not a new kitchen appliance for the wifey? There is something for everyone. Where shall we go first? Montgomery Ward, SS Kresgne, Publix or Woolco? I am sure many of you have fond (or perhaps not so fond) childhood memories visiting these stores as a kid. For more shopping adventures and photos head over to the always splendid Pleasant Family Shopping. And don’t forget to check out the other posts in the shopping spree series. Which is your favorite chain or stores that are still alive today?
By Chris
January 13th, 2011
A short movie that takes us back 60 years or so, to a time when Broadway and Times Square were the theater and entertainment capital of the USA. Pre Disneyfication and massive tourist invasions. For those of you who likes numbers, there were apparently 40 million twinkling lights around Broadway back then. Many of these places however are gone today. Are there any New Yorkers who appreciate this area of New York today?
By Chris
April 13th, 2010
Following up on my earlier post on how to get a date if you lived in 1950s America, here is a new film which show and tell how you can have a few close friends but be popular among a large group of people too. The entertainment value and kitsch-meter is going through the roof with this film. Hmm, why were all guys called Wally back then? (Via)
By Chris
October 12th, 2009
