"All this he saw, for one moment breathless and intense, vivid on the morning sky; and still, as he looked, he lived; and still, as he lived, he wondered."

Fun Palace

FunPalace

Arrive and Leave by train, bus, monorail, hovercraft, car, tube or foot at any time you cant to – our just have a look at it as you pass. The information screens will show you what’s happening. No need to look for an entrance – just walk in anywhere. No doors, foyers queues or commissionaires: it’s up to you how you use it. Look around – take a lift, a ramp, an escalator to wherever or whatever looks interesting.

Choose what you want to do – or watch someone else doing it. Learn how to handle tools, paint, babies, machinery, or just listen to your favourite tune. Dance, talk or be lifted up to where you can see how people make things work. Sit out over space with a drink and tune in to what’s happening elsewhere in the city. Try starting a riot or beginning a painting – or just lie back and stare at the sky.

What time is it? Any time of day or night, winter or summer – it really doesn’t matter. If it’s too wet that roof will stop the rain but not the light. The artificial cloud will keep you cool or make rainbows for you. Your feet will be warm as you watch the stars – the atmosphere clear as you join in the chorus. Why not have your favourite meal high up where you can watch the thunderstorm?

Why all this lot? “If any nation is to be lost or saved by the character of its great cities, our own is that nation”. – Robert Vaughan, 1843

We are building a short-term plaything in which all of us can realize the possibilities and delights that a 20th Century city environment owes us. It must last no longer than we need it.

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