Pavilion

1958 - 1980

Some historians suggest that the Pavilion style was derived from the Japanese irimoya roof form, which was utilitized on Buddhist temple structures beginning in the 7th Century.  The Pavilion style of today however gained popularity when Wichita, Kansas architect Richard Burke developed a modified version of the roof form for the Pizza Hut chain in 1964.  Quickly the style proliferated across the country, perhaps because it was a distinctive form that set buildings apart from the existing built environment.  By the mid 1960s the style was widley for World’s Fairs, visitors centers, and banks. 

 

While the Pavilion style can be found mainly on small scale commercial buildings, some architects used the style to break up the mass of large buildings such as elementary schools and office complexes.  The ensuing look is that of a “cluster” development of smaller scale buildings.  Some residential examples can be found, although they are rare.  

The defining characterisic of the Pavilion style is its distinctive roof shape which utilizes two roof forms stacked upon each other.  The lower roof, always has a shallow hip form.  The upper roof can utilize a steep hip, gable or mansard form.  The resulting silhouette is a structure with a hipped roof and a box-like crown.  For small-scale commercial buildings, the steep sloping crown could easily support an area for a large advertising sign.  Utilized on larger buildings with a mansard style crown, the area offers a convenient space to hide mechanical equipment.  A central skylight or chimney flue is often found on the upper roof.  Pavilion style structures often have floor to ceiling windows, wide over-hanging boxed eaves and sliding glass doors.  They can be clad in brick, clapboard, T-1-11, stone or stucco.

Washington State Examples

Pizza Hut Tumwater, c.1965	Unity Church of Truth Spokane, 1973	Charles & Carol Hansen House Spokane, 1973
Shoreline Community College Shoreline, c.1975	Duplex Seattle, c.1979	Lindal Ceder Homes Model Fife, c.1980
Sterling Bank Ellensburg, c.1975	House Olympia, c.1969	Hoquiam High School Hoquiam, c. 1977

 

For More Information:

• Rifkind, Carole. A Field Guide to Contemporary American Architecture. A Dutton Book. New York, NY, 1998. pg 270-277.
• Drexler, Arthur. Tranformations in Modern Architecture. MOMA , New York, NY. 1979.
• Wiffen, Marcus. American Architecture Since 1780: A Guide to the Styles. 4th ed. MOT Press, Cambridge, Mass. 1996.
• "Pavilion Plan... for "zoned living"" Sunset Ideas for Planning Your New Home. Lane Books, Menlo Park, CA. 1967., pg 12.
• "A Pavilion Reserved for Recreation"" Sunset Ideas for Recreation Rooms. Lane Books, Menlo Park, CA. 1968, pg 6.
• Langdon, Phillip. Orange Roofs, Golden Arches. Knopf Publishing. New York, NY, 1986.
• Walker, Lester. American Homes:An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Domestic Architecture. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. New York, NY. 1996. pg. 222-223.