The Architects' Journal (home of British architecture) has recently listed their top 10 architectural features of Star Wars. The article cites the Sandcrawler of Tatooine (possibly inspired by the Hôtel du lac in Tunisia, and in turn may have influenced Casa da Música [virtual tour, requires Quicktime] ), gave Bright Tree Village an honorary rating of BREEAM Excellent (top marks for environment-friendliness and sustainability), then embrace the Ecumenopolis that is Coruscant. This is not the first discussion of the architectural styles of the Star Wars universe. George Lucas once said "I'm basically a Victorian person," referring to his love of "all kinds of old things," including sort of Art Deco or Art Moderne-type. The retro-futuristic styles of Star Wars has gone on to inspire others.
posted by filthy light thief on Jun 25, 2009 - 12 comments

You may know that some of the Tatooine parts of Star Wars were filmed in Tunisia . But did you know you can spend the night in Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen's distinctive underground house? In the middle of the desert, local people have taken up residence in the 30-year-old set.
posted by gottabefunky on Dec 12, 2006 - 20 comments

The 'Star Wars' Traveler: I'm not really a 'Star Wars' geek, so I had no idea that the Tatooine scenes were shot in Tunisia. Instead of repairing those units on the South Ridge, perhaps you feel the need to visit visit Obi Wan Kenobi? Maybe you need to jam to some space jazz at the Cantina (oota goota, Solo?)? Maybe you will see a krayt dragon skeleton in the Dune Sea. Just watch out for the sand crawlers.
posted by NoMich on Apr 19, 2006 - 9 comments