This thesis contains the results of a study of the architecture and history of drive-in restaurants from their genesis in the late 1920s to their decline in popularity during the 1960s. The study provides a context within which the historic, cultural and architectural significance of this building type can be evaluated. A Muncie, Indiana case study follows the study of the national context. Conclusions are reached concerning how the designs of drive-in restaurants in the Muncie study area compare to national design trends. It provides a framework for further research of the building type.Of the major drive-in restaurant styles, types or forms that were typical on the national scene, the Muncie study area demonstrated only the roadside stand-type, Modern style, and rectangular form. Independent of style or type, Muncie drive-ins demonstrated various interpretations of elements that were common nationally: the sheltering canopy, the pylon, lighting, electronic speaker systems for ordering, and plate glass. It is possible, though, that the Muncie study area contained other restaurants that exhibited national design trends but were demolished and left no record. / Department of Architecture
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/188134 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Brosz, Jennifer R. |
| Contributors | Wolner, Edward W. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | 212 leaves : ill. (some col.), facsims. (some col.), col. map, plans ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us--- n-us-in |
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