The era of "Googie" design and architecture is half a century ago — but in many ways, it feels fresher than anything that's come along since. The optimism and brightness that comes out of these buildings and their facades still shines out like a sign of what humans are capable of when we believe. To see these Space Age monuments tarnished and crumbling is kind of heart-breaking, but somehow their hope remains undimmed.
Here are some of the coolest pictures of "Googie" style we could find online.
Top image: "Jets" by Arby Reed on Flickr.
Encounter LAX Revised by Brewbooks on Flickr
Stardust Motel by Kristine Paulus on Flickr
Midway Motel, by Ercwttmn on Flickr
Reno, NV by Jillian Northrup on Flickr.
Mission Hills Bowl by Kent Kanouse on Flickr
Reno, NV by Jillian Northrup on Flickr
Reno, NV by Jillian Northrup on Flickr
Vickers Petroleum by Ercwttmn on Flickr
Dyne Quik by Ercwttmn on Flickr
Flying Realty by David Gallagher on Flickr
Southgate Shopping Center, as seen in Edward Scissorhands. By Andy Callahan/Flickr
Famed architect Eero Saarinen's abandoned TWA Terminal at JFK Airport, photo by Telstar Logistics/Flickr.
Liquor by Dan Reed on Flickr.
The Vogue, Hollywood Blvd. by Dan Reed on Flickr
San Jose, by Jillian Northrup on Flickr
San Jose, by Jillian Northrup on Flickr
Melody Cleaners, by Caveman Chuck Coker on Flickr
Googie Car Wash by Arby Reed on Flickr.
Hillcrest Motel by Arby Reed on Flickr.
Googie Airport by Arby Reed on Flickr.
Park Ave. by Arby Reed on Flickr.
Saute's Parking by Ercwttmn on Flickr
Pedian Carpet by Cory Dalus on Flickr.
Westside Billiards by Jillian Northrup on Flickr
Sure Fit by Jillian Northrup on Flickr
Nottingham Contemporary by Duncan Harris on Flickr.