The Mansardification of America

Take a chance on this 80s era oddball rant on American post-war architecture. It’s a cogent, well-informed screed that shines even in its defiant inability to spell “architecture.”

The mansard is a hallmark of mid-19th century French “Second Empire” style - the ornate rooftop that hosts dormer windows and turns an attic into an opulent living space.

In this feisty publication, we take a look at how this once-regal feature has been absorbed into one of the lowest forms of architecture: American fast food restaurants in lowly strip malls. How did this happen? We’ll go on a journey to try to understand what purpose this structural element has served in American commerce.

A prolific writer, Hill also published the 80s Ohio zine “Counter Culture” to document Americana via its diners. It’s then not a stretch to see him rant about conventions in food-related aesthetics. What’s enjoyable about this pub is its spirited, auto-didactic tone and obvious motivation driven by the love of the subject matter. This is a paper blog.