Surreal Life: Evolution of the TV Talk Show Set, 1964 to Present

The evolution of the TV talk show set only lightly mirrors design changes that were going on in the rest of the world at the time.  Plaids, bold colors, African tribal prints, rubber plants–whatever was happening at the world outside migrated into the studio set.  But for the most part, these are not meant to be… Continue reading Surreal Life: Evolution of the TV Talk Show Set, 1964 to Present

5 Best Fake Cities in the World

Hogeweyk Village

Fake cities exist for many reasons:  training, propaganda, subterfuge, filming, tourism.  Few are meant to be 100% realistic, but some are definitely more realistic than others.  Here are our top most realistic fake cities, current and past.  Fake cities designed to pull in tourists are left off this list (except for one notable exception in… Continue reading 5 Best Fake Cities in the World

Planet of the Apes (1968) Set Design

Planet of the Apes 1968 Concept Sketch of Forbidden Zone - Mentor Huebner

Depicting a harsh and dystopian world (at least for the humans), “Planet of the Apes” has become an unlikely film franchise spanning over half a century.  The original “Apes” from 1968 has some of the most fantastical, caveman-chic sets of any of the films.  Art Directors William Creber and Jack Martin Smith were charged with… Continue reading Planet of the Apes (1968) Set Design

Tiki Torch: See How This Icon of Mid-Century Polynesian Pop Culture Started

Mad Men Season 6 In Hawaii

The Tiki Torch is both older and newer than you might think.  It’s newer in the sense that the tiki torch–or let’s use the brand name, Tiki Torch–burning in your backyard, the bamboo kind with a reservoir filled with petroleum-based fuel, has no basis in true Polynesian history.  It’s older in the sense that those… Continue reading Tiki Torch: See How This Icon of Mid-Century Polynesian Pop Culture Started

3 Best Eiffel Tower Replicas in the World

Eiffel Tower vs. Replica Eiffel Towers by Height

Everyone loves the actual Eiffel Tower so much, some builders have found it worthwhile to build Eiffel Tower replicas.  This iron structure is found in replica form all around the world.  Eiffel Tower’s monumental 984 foot height has not even been closely matched by any of the replicas.  However, there are sizes ranging from a… Continue reading 3 Best Eiffel Tower Replicas in the World