Impractical Architecture

The other day when I showed the zeroHouse I mentioned that I like other designs from Specht Harpman better. First off I should say that any architect firm who has a structure category entitled, “Impractical” is worth a good look.

The most interesting impractical item to see is Specht Harpman’s Psychoplex; which is as odd as it sounds.

This Psychoplex is an imaginary theme park. The University of Texas at Austin has a newsletter bit about Psychoplex that puts what’s going on here into context. During a presentation of their work in the first Austin-based Pecha Kucha program back in May of this year, “Architects Louise Harpman and Scott Specht gave an amazing and entertaining presentation, with Louise Harpman showing their work as the straight man of the duo, and Scott Specht following up with a hilarious introduction to a fantasy theme park called Psychoplex. Their presentation was truly in the spirit of Pecha Kucha–a little bit serious, a little bit pure entertainment and chaotic. The crowd went wild.”

I like fun architects.

I’m glad I saw this newsletter because I was stuck for a bit trying to figure out if this was real or not. I did assume not real once I read some of the descriptions from the Psychoplex tour such as:

“The Psychoplex is the product of a collaboration between a deluded, visionary architect, and a highly-intelligent elephant.”

AND

“Daring visitors can enter our park via the SLIDESCAPE, an undulating, self-lubricating fun-floor! Please note that Psychoplex, and Psycho Leisure Industries, Inc. are not responsible for injuries, drownings, or death resulting from the use of the SLIDESCAPE.”

AND

“Admission is free to Psychoplex at all times! Parking in our carpeted lot is only $34.00 (per axle). If you arrive on foot, a non-transit-use surcharge of up to $44.00 may apply, depending on the judgment of our bookkeeper.”

Really fun. This conclude our weekend look at Specht Harpman but there’s much more to see at their website including the full tour of the bizarre Psychoplex. This team designs many wonderful structures worth a look.

Have a great rest of your weekend. Coming up this week, I’ve got the answer to the bonus points question for the December’s Reader Appreciation Contest, holiday cheer, and (gasp) guest bloggers. Didn’t see that coming did you. Stick around.