Stufish

Book excerpt: This issue of AD looks at the work of STUFISH Entertainment Architects. Founded by the late Mark Fisher, the legendary British architect known for his rock music stage sets for bands including the Rolling Stones, U2 and Pink Floyd, the studio is a recognised leader in entertainment architecture. The STUFISH team of architects, designers, visualisers, production managers, technical specialists and producers creates ambitious and pioneering work, exploring new ways to inspire audiences and visitors, from musical experiences to theatrical shows, exhibitions and buildings. Its work has been synonymous with the key theatrical, musical and monumental events embodied in the collective memory of generations across the globe since the mid-1990s. Entertainment architecture is a highly innovative, creative endeavour, producing ever-more elaborate, architectural spectacles. This issue visits the many facets of STUFISH – its history and design process, audience memory and experience –exploring the story behind and evolution of this particular brand of popular culture and its spatial manifestations, and touching on what the future may hold for it. Contributors include: Leonard Auerbach, Victoria Broackes, Peter Cook, Adam Davis, Haidy Geismar, Robert Kronenburg, Theo Lorenz, Ash Nehru, Aubrey Powell, Neil Thomas, Willie Williams, Patrick Woodroffe and Maciej Woroniecki.