Lair

From Atlantis in The Spy Who Loved Me to Nathan Bateman's ultra-modern abode in Ex Machina, big-screen villains often live in architectural splendor. From a design standpoint, the villain's lair, as popularized in many of our favorite movies, is a stunning, sophisticated, envy-inducing expression of the warped drives and desires of its occupant. Lair celebrates and considers iconic villains' lairs from recent film history.

From Atlantis in The Spy Who Loved Me to Nathan Bateman's ultra-modern abode in Ex Machina, big-screen villains tend to live in architectural splendor. The villain's lair, as popularized in many of our favorite movies, is much more than where the megalomaniac goes to get some rest. Instead, the homes of the villains are places where evil is plotted and where, often, the hero is tested and must prove him/herself. Like evil itself, the abodes of the villains are frequently compelling and seductive. From a design standpoint, they tend to be stunning, sophisticated, envy-inducing expressions of the warped drives and desires of their occupants.

Lair, the first title in Tra Publishing's Design + Film series, celebrates and considers several iconic villain's lairs from recent film history. The book explores the architectural design of these structures through drawings, photographs, essays, and references to real-world examples. Lair is the brainchild of internationally acclaimed architect Chad Oppenheim, who provides commentary on the design of each abode. From futuristic fantasies to deathtrap-laden hives, from dwellings in space to those under the sea, pop culture and architecture join forces in these outlandish homes and in Lair, which appreciates and celebrates all things villain. Printed in silver ink on black paper, Lair features villains' homes from a range of films, including The Spy Who Loved Me, Dr. Strangelove, The Incredibles, Ex Machina, Blade Runner 2049, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds are Forever.