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The Magic of Mid-Century: Exploring the Concepts of Duck & Decorated Shed
Mid-century architecture is filled with bold ideas, experimental designs, and iconic structures that continue to inspire generations. Nowhere is this spirit more alive than in Las Vegas, a city that has long stood as a testament to the power of architectural storytelling.
Duck Duck Shed brings to life the influential theories from Learning from Las Vegas, particularly the groundbreaking concepts of the “Duck” and the “Decorated Shed.” These ideas not only shaped the Las Vegas skyline but also had a lasting impact on design thinking across the world.
What is The Duck & The Decorated Shed?
In 1972, architects Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, and Steven Izenour published Learning from Las Vegas, a seminal work that challenged traditional modernist thought and introduced a new way of looking at architecture. They categorized buildings into two types:
The Duck
The Duck is a structure where the form itself tells the story of the building’s purpose. Named after a duck-shaped roadside stand on Long Island, this concept describes architecture that is sculptural and expressive, making its function immediately apparent.
The Decorated Shed
The Decorated shed is a more conventional structure where meaning is conveyed through signage and ornamentation rather than the shape of the building itself. These buildings may be simple in form but are transformed by bold graphics, neon lights, and symbolic elements.
These two categories became crucial to understanding how Las Vegas developed its distinctive architectural language. The Strip, with its grand casinos, glowing marquees, and elaborate facades, offers a masterclass in both approaches.
Las Vegas: A Playground of Architectural Expression
Las Vegas embraced the concept of the Duck through themed resorts like the Luxor, which takes the form of a giant pyramid, and New York-New York, with its recreation of the Big Apple. These buildings tell a story through their very form.
On the other hand, classic casinos such as The Sands or The Golden Nugget are quintessential Decorated Sheds. They may be simple, box-like buildings, but their identity is shaped by vibrant signage, glowing neon, and architectural ornamentation that make them unmistakable.
The Legacy of Duck & Decorated Shed in Modern Design
The influence of these concepts extends far beyond Las Vegas. From fast-food chains that incorporate giant hamburgers on their rooftops (Ducks) to minimalist glass office buildings adorned with LED billboards (Decorated Sheds), the theory remains relevant today. Cities across the globe continue to employ these principles to create memorable landmarks and engaging urban experiences.
Experience Duck & Decorated Shed with Duck Duck Shed
Duck Duck Shed celebrates this architectural legacy by showcasing the creativity and storytelling behind Las Vegas’ built environment. Through guided tours, exhibits, and discussions, it offers visitors a deeper appreciation of how mid-century architectural ideas shaped not just the city but also global design trends.
Those interested in the concept of the Duck and the Shed might be especially interested in our keynote event Still Learning from Las Vegas with Dayvid Figler. In this presentation, Figler presents how recent developments along “Strip City” have not only ignored much of the lessons from pre-1970 Las Vegas, but that there is an arguable revolution to rebuke those lessons in contemporary architecture, design, and urban planning.
