The Best House in Barbie the Movie

Parin S.
Spacely AI
Published in
3 min readAug 24, 2023

Barbie, the iconic fashion doll, has transcended the boundaries of toy boxes to establish a place in popular culture, including cinema. The movies centered around Barbie and her many adventures have captivated countless young fans over the years. One of the standout features of these films is the architecture, particularly the “Weird” Barbie house that has become synonymous with Barbie’s cinematic universe. But what makes this structure so special?

Background of Barbie

In Barbie’s cinematic universe, the quintessential Dream House has always been a symbol of elegance and aspiration. However, in the new film “Barbie,” we’re introduced to an architectural masterpiece with a twist — Weird Barbie’s house. This particular dwelling is an anomaly in Barbie Land, distinctively different from the conventional luxurious residences Barbie has been associated with.

Weird Barbie’s house, just like the character herself (voiced by the talented Kate McKinnon), is emblematic of resilience and evolution. According to the movie’s production designer, Sarah Greenwood, this intriguing house has evolved from the traditional Barbie Dream House. Yet, while retaining proportions and familiar shades of pink associated with past homes, its design dramatically deviates from convention.

The Farnsworth House’s Influence on the Weird Barbie House

The essence of mid-century modernism lies in the belief of “form follows function.” This architectural and interior design movement, spanning from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s, championed clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a connection with nature.

Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe are two luminary figures from this era. Wright’s designs, like the Fallingwater, focused on organic architecture that harmonized humanity and its environment. Meanwhile, Mies van der Rohe, known for his phrase “less is more,” emphasized open spaces and exuded modern simplicity in designs like the Barcelona Pavilion.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House stands as a testament to modernist architecture. With its expansive glass walls, sleek lines, and a sense of floating amidst nature, the Farnsworth House embraces transparency and blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior.

It’s no surprise that such an iconic design would inspire the weird Barbie house. The movie’s house, while undeniably whimsical and tailored to its fantasy world, echoes the Farnsworth House’s principles. It celebrates open spaces, integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, and showcases clean lines indicative of modernist design. This adaptation speaks volumes about the enduring appeal and versatility of mid-century modernism.

Conclusion

The Weird Barbie house in Barbie isn’t just a fictional structure; it’s a tribute to architectural marvels that have shaped design thinking for decades. By marrying mid-century principles with a touch of fantasy, it offers viewers an experience that’s both nostalgic and innovative. And with tools like Spacely AI, this fusion of the old and new continues to inspire and shape the spaces of tomorrow.

Stay tuned with Spacely’s Design Diaries for more insights into the ever-evolving world of design and the transformative power of technology in this space. Together, let’s explore, innovate, and redefine the boundaries of design. Keep creating!

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