When you hear the word “arcade,” most people immediately think of video games, flashing lights, and fun machines. But historically and architecturally, an arcade also refers to a type of structure or building design. Let’s explore what an arcade structure really is.
Definition of an Arcade Structure
An arcade structure is a covered passageway or walkway lined with arches or columns, often with shops, businesses, or entertainment venues along the sides. Key characteristics include:
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Series of arches: Typically forming a continuous, repeating pattern.
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Covered walkway: Provides shelter from weather, such as rain or sun.
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Shops or venues along the sides: Historically used for retail, markets, or entertainment.
Essentially, an arcade structure is both functional and aesthetic, creating a pleasant pedestrian area while connecting buildings or spaces.
Historical Origins
The concept of the arcade dates back to ancient Rome, where architects used arched corridors in public buildings. During the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, covered shopping streets became popular. Famous examples include:
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy – A glass-roofed arcade lined with luxury shops.
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Passages couverts in Paris – Covered walkways with boutiques and cafes.
These arcades were precursors to modern malls, blending commerce, social interaction, and architectural beauty.
Types of Arcade Structures
Arcade structures come in various forms:
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Commercial Arcades: Walkways with shops or boutiques, often found in city centers.
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Public Arcades: Passages in civic buildings, museums, or historic sites.
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Entertainment Arcades: Areas dedicated to games and leisure, often inspired by the original architectural concept.
Connection to Modern Arcades
The modern term “arcade” for a gaming venue comes from these architectural arcades. Early coin-operated game machines were placed in covered walkways and shopping arcades, hence the name. Over time, “arcade” became associated with gaming and entertainment, but the architectural roots remain the same.
Why Arcade Structures Matter
Arcade structures are more than decorative—they provide:
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Shelter: Protecting pedestrians from sun and rain.
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Flow: Guiding foot traffic efficiently through commercial areas.
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Aesthetic appeal: Elegant arches and covered walkways enhance the urban environment.
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Historical value: Many old arcades are now cultural landmarks.
Conclusion
An arcade structure is a covered, arch-lined passageway, historically used for shops and public interaction. Modern arcades—both architectural and gaming-focused—draw inspiration from this design, showing how architecture and entertainment intersect.
From Arches to Joysticks: The Connection Between Architectural Arcades and Modern Video Game Arcades
When you hear the word “arcade,” you probably imagine flashing lights, beeping sounds, and rows of video game machines. But did you know that the term “arcade” originally referred to a type of architectural structure? Let’s explore the fascinating link between covered passageways and the gaming venues we know today.
The Origins: Architectural Arcades
An arcade structure is a covered walkway or passage lined with arches or columns. These were common in ancient Rome and later in 18th- and 19th-century Europe, where they were used for:
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Shops and boutiques: Providing a safe and comfortable shopping experience.
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Pedestrian flow: Sheltered paths for people to walk and gather.
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Aesthetic appeal: Elegant arches, glass roofs, and ornamental designs.
Famous examples include:
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy – A stunning glass-roofed shopping arcade.
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Passages couverts in Paris – Covered walkways lined with boutiques and cafes.
These arcades were social hubs where people shopped, dined, and mingled.
The Birth of the Gaming Arcade
The modern gaming arcade owes its name to these architectural arcades. In the 1970s, coin-operated video games were often installed in:
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Covered shopping arcades
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Department stores
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Entertainment halls
Because these games were placed in public, arcade-style passageways, the term “arcade” naturally became associated with coin-operated gaming machines.
Why the Term Stuck
As video games grew in popularity, standalone arcade centers appeared, but the name remained. Today, “arcade” refers primarily to:
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Rooms or centers filled with coin-operated video games
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Home arcade machines
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Multicade setups with dozens of classic games
Despite this shift in meaning, the connection to architecture and public entertainment remains clear—arcades were always about gathering spaces, social interaction, and fun.
Modern Arcades: A Blend of Old and New
Modern arcades carry the spirit of architectural arcades in several ways:
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Public gathering: Arcades remain social spaces, whether in malls, bars, or entertainment centers.
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Design inspiration: Many arcades mimic the layout of covered walkways, guiding players through rows of games.
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Cultural continuity: Just like the shopping arcades of the past, modern arcades combine commerce, entertainment, and community.
Bringing the Arcade Home
You don’t need to visit a historic building or a large entertainment center to enjoy the arcade experience. Home arcade machines and retro game consoles recreate the excitement of traditional arcades:
These setups allow you to relive the arcade experience in your own living room, keeping the social and entertainment spirit alive.
Conclusion
The word “arcade” has evolved from elegant, arch-lined passageways to rooms full of video games, but the essence remains the same: a place for community, entertainment, and shared experiences. Understanding this connection gives a richer appreciation for both architecture and gaming history.