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Architecture Gone Wild: One Night of Wonderfully Wacky Buildings
One Zoom Session
Tue., Nov. 18, 2025, 6:30-8:30 pm MT

Ever seen an upside-down house with its roof on the ground and the ground floor in the air? Two hundred miles north of Warsaw, Poland, there’s a topsy-turvy cabin that draws curious crowds through its attic windows. But you don’t need a passport to explore the world of off-the-wall design—just join us for one night of upside-down delight.

In this visually rich and lively session, David Thomas, an expert on the science of fun, leads a whirlwind tour of the planet’s most playful architecture. From the gravity-defying houses of Niagara Falls to the quirky charms of Pigeon Forge, venture into spaces that defy convention and celebrate whimsy. You'll discover how imaginative buildings—from a Copenhagen recycling plant with a ski slope to Colorado’s own Bishop Castle—spark joy, invite curiosity and sometimes stir controversy.

Also explore how theme parks, museums, zoos and even the famously eccentric Casa Bonita use theatrical design to create immersive environments. Along the way, uncover how a few clever tricks of the trade can turn ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences.

Expect big visuals, engaging stories and plenty of laughs. You’ll leave inspired to see the built world a little differently—and maybe even add a twist of fun to your own home or workspace.

David Thomas, PhD, is an expert on fun in the workplace, the architecture of fun and fun in general. He’s authored books on the aesthetics of games, fun at work and playful techniques for higher education classrooms. He is a professor of architecture at University of Colorado Denver and senior director of marketing at DU’s College of Professional Studies.