Disney World: Evil capitalist empire or a whimsical fantasy land for an architecture of joy? Part 2 Dissertation 2019 Ruth Ramsden University of Brighton | UK Since its opening in the 60s, Disney World has invoked the ire of many social commentators for being both a symbol of general cultural decline and a triumph of late stage capitalism. It pro- motes an ideological-driven agenda of conservatism, patriotism and commercialism which ensures that on a macro scale it is easy to criticise. While there are obvious problems with the park, it inspires fierce devotion in its patrons and occupies a hallowed status within contemporary cultural mythology. Disney World is a realm of its own, designed with a comprehensive understanding of human emotion, devoted to happiness and well-being. Therefore, it is worth considering the mechanisms of Disney's parks in terms of their effect on the individual. The parks may manipulate the public, but they are only able to wield such power because they have successfully created an environment using symbols from myth and fairy-tale to manufacture an architecture that is meaningful to many. The essay explores whether we can learn from Disney World, despite its nefarious politics, to design everyday spaces centred on human well-being, that inspire a sense of wonder in the people who use them? Tutor(s) Karin Jaschke