false nostalgia and architecture

The most effective designs explicitly reference historical events or imagery that current users have no experience with. This doesn't make such references any less effective. In fact, by creating a link to long ago events the architecture gains a degree of significance that transcends the fussiness of authenticity. A particularly effective technique is to create an atmosphere where the user can pretend that they belonged to some bygone era--whether  decades gone by or millenia. The Greek temple is a very useful nostalgic device. Even playing old songs in a restaurant can make patrons feel that they're part of a cultural experience that warrants another glass of wine and that rich dessert.

Subtle gestures can be layered with forms and details that have no clear relationship. The more time periods are referenced, the broader the reach to the audience.