Best Of '85: Breaking Out of the Box

A year of renewed traditionalism, plus quirks and fantasy

Not long ago it was generally supposed that one kind of building was suitable to almost every modern purpose. Corporate offices? Put up a plain box, a big one. A university? Put up a couple of plain boxes, medium size. A civic building? Another box, and make it bland.

The renewed use of traditional architectural styles is a done deed, praised and damned but now mainly accommodated. A more significant traditionalist trend, however, may be the revival of the belief in appropriately expressive building types. A courthouse should not look like a Pizza Hut; a parking garage and a theater ought...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!