starchitecture

English

Etymology

Blend of star +‎ architecture.

Noun

starchitecture (usually uncountable, plural starchitectures)

1. Large, unusual building projects designed by celebrity architects.
2. The use of spectacular and signature projects by urban policy-makers with the purpose of branding or distinguishing the image of one city or place at the international level.
   • 2009 May 22, Christopher Hume, “Arthur Erickson's great works lift our spirit”, in Toronto Star‎^[1]:

     But in an age of starchitecture, Erickson's refusal to adopt a signature look kept him from achieving the kind of recognition he deserved.

Related terms

• starchitect

See also

• Bilbao effect

References

• Davide Ponzini and Michele Nastasi, STARCHITECTURE: Scenes, Actors and Spectacles in Contemporary Cities. Turin, Allemandi, 2011.