99% Invisible

The Octagon House

Jul 5, 2022

Avery Trufelman, a former producer known for her insightful storytelling, explores the fascinating world of octagonal homes. She reveals how this architectural trend from the mid-1800s was tied to self-improvement and championed by phrenologist Orson Fowler. The narrative highlights the unique features of octagon houses, modern innovations that enhance their resilience, and personal stories from those living in these quirky structures. Sprinkled with tales of ghostly encounters, it's a charming look at how architecture shapes our lives and aspirations.

43:04

Creator website

Episode guests

Avery Trufelman

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Octagon House Cellars for storing fresh vegetables

00:40

1841 the start of obsession with self and individualism in US

00:56

The Octagon House, Is it a fad?

01:38

Octagon Houses are all over US

00:35

Intro

4min

Octagonal Dreams: The Legacy of the McElroy House

19min

Modern Innovations in Octagon Architecture: Resilience and Design

3min

Living in an Octagon: A Unique Home Journey

7min

The Allure of Octagon Houses

9min

Ghostly Whispers and Warm Spirits

2min

Exploring Ghost Stories and Architectural Intention

5min

99% Invisible producer emeritus Avery Trufelman traveled from New York to San Francisco recently, and took host Roman Mars to see an unusually shaped old building on the west side of the Bay. As it turns out, this peculiar octagonal home isn't unique -- there was a whole architectural fad of building these back in the mid 1800s, tapping into a parallel trend: self-improvement.

Publisher Orson Fowler (most famous for being a phrenologist) used his professional position to self-publish a book about the many benefits, health and otherwise, of living in an octagonal home. His book, Octagon House: A Home For All, became a sensation. In its wake, hundreds of octagon houses started popping up all over the country.

The Octagon House

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