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Temporary Pleasure: Nightclub Architecture, Design and Culture from the 1960s to Today
This unique, visually exciting look at the evolution of nightclubs across America and Europe since the 1960s reveals an unwavering truth about club culture—the one constant is change.
Opening with the psychedelic haunts of the 1960s New York pop art scene and closing more than half a century later with the rise of post-club happenings, Temporary Pleasure shows how nightlife spaces have evolved to meet the needs of their generation, and how each generation was seeking something a little different from the one before.
Each chapter focuses on a distinct phase and Italy’s politically radical clubs of the ‘60s; New York City’s disco scene; Detroit and Chicago’s house and techno paradises; Ibiza’s counterculture communal retreats; Britain’s rave culture; and Berlin’s techno scene. The clubs come to life in double-page spreads that feature specs and detailed profiles. Author John Leo Gillen offers his take on various important cultural, design and architectural details, while numerous photographs offer their own vibey stories. The book features interviews with people who were involved in a number of the scenes included, from NYC disco mainstay DJ Justin Strauss to Ben Kelly, architect of Manchester’s legendary venue The Haçienda.
As the world emerges from its Covid-induced isolation, this celebration of crowded rooms, dance-worthy beats, and communal transcendence feels more important than ever.
Opening with the psychedelic haunts of the 1960s New York pop art scene and closing more than half a century later with the rise of post-club happenings, Temporary Pleasure shows how nightlife spaces have evolved to meet the needs of their generation, and how each generation was seeking something a little different from the one before.
Each chapter focuses on a distinct phase and Italy’s politically radical clubs of the ‘60s; New York City’s disco scene; Detroit and Chicago’s house and techno paradises; Ibiza’s counterculture communal retreats; Britain’s rave culture; and Berlin’s techno scene. The clubs come to life in double-page spreads that feature specs and detailed profiles. Author John Leo Gillen offers his take on various important cultural, design and architectural details, while numerous photographs offer their own vibey stories. The book features interviews with people who were involved in a number of the scenes included, from NYC disco mainstay DJ Justin Strauss to Ben Kelly, architect of Manchester’s legendary venue The Haçienda.
As the world emerges from its Covid-induced isolation, this celebration of crowded rooms, dance-worthy beats, and communal transcendence feels more important than ever.
- GenresMusic
240 pages, Hardcover
Published April 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 19, 2024
I really liked this book. It has amazing pictures and the author obviously cares deeply about the subject. It’s the only book on the matter that goes into the history of clubs extremely well. My only issue with the book, and why I gave it 4 and not 5 stars is that at times the text felt editorialized. As in there was a clear good guy and bad guy. It just feels slightly too opinionated to be the book of record. Which is a shame because it’s extremely beautiful and well done. If you have an interest in club culture, I would definitely pick it up.
January 16, 2025
great book with rare imagery and interviews with very interesting people. the graphics are also amazing and overall such a fun and inspiring read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews