A Rebirth of Theaters

There is a fascinating new cultural trend that I've been noticing slowly gaining in popularity over the past year: showing big events in theaters, put on by private organizations, TV stations, etc. This is a very interesting development in culture on a number of levels.

1) It is signalling an even great trend towards 3d viewing - since a large screen and easy distribution of 3d glasses make large audience theaters very attractive.

2) It is mimicking the phenomenon of people moving OUT of the suburbs and back INTO the city. This was triggered for a number of reasons - gas prices, environmental concerns, mortgage crises, typical ebb and flow of living habits, etc. But when people opt out of viewing something in the privacy and comfort of their own homes, and opt for going out on the town, to see and be seen, and give up comfort for an added adrenalyn rush of partaking in a group/social event, it signals that a resurgence of openness and energy is beginning to take shape.

3) Broadcasting local events, such as live shows from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, around the country to theatres, shows an embrace of modern technology and a willingness to modify habits based on available possibilities. This is something that is incredibly important to me as a contemporary architect, and I hope that it will transform from a social trend to a broad cultural taste, allowing more every day people to embrace new technologies and aesthetics in their design and architecture.

Here are some links to various new uses for the every day movie theater. I would love to get everybody's take on this so comments are, as always, welcome.

Sports events

Obama's Inauguration

Broadway Shows

Metropolitan Opera