Temporary Pleasure book explores nightclub architecture, design & culture since 1960s
Temporary Pleasure is the “Rave Architecture collective generating new ways to build temporary spaces,” who have conceived and designed pop-up club spaces including last summer’s 12-hour long space in The Complex in Dublin (See photos here).
A new book from Temporary Pleasure club designer/producer John Leo Gillen whose family owned nightclubs and who has an academic background in Ephemeral Architecture and Temporary Spaces examines the visual evolution of nightclubs in America and Europe since the 1960s and features interviews with people involved in iconic clubs like The Haçienda, The Paradise Garage, Amnesia in Ibiza and more.
The 240-page hardcover book, arrives on Prestel Publishing on April 25th priced at around £39.99.
Here’s the full blurb:
ABOUT TEMPORARY PLEASURE
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 city: 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.
