Meanings
nounstarchitecture (usually uncountable, plural starchitectures)
plural starchitectures
- uncountableusuallyLarge, unusual building projects designed by celebrity architects.
- uncountableusuallyThe use of spectacular and signature projects by urban policy-makers with the purpose of branding or distinguishing the image of one city or place at the international level.
But in an age of starchitecture, Erickson's refusal to adopt a signature look kept him from achieving the kind of recognition he deserved.
2009 May 22, Christopher Hume, “Arthur Erickson's great works lift our spirit”, in Toronto Star
Origin
Blend of star + architecture.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
APA
starchitecture. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/starchitecture
MLA
“starchitecture.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/starchitecture. Accessed November 2, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “starchitecture,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/starchitecture.
Source: starchitecture on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.