edifice complex

edifice complex

English

Etymology

From the psychoanalytical sense of complex.

Noun

edifice complex (plural edifice complexes)

1. (derogatory) The desire to construct or own spectacularly imposing buildings.
   • 2005, The Bulletin (issues 6477-6485, page 63)

     There may be fewer dictators these days, he says, but instead local authorities run by city politicians “want to follow in the footsteps of mad King Ludwig of Bavaria and indulge their edifice complexes”.

   • 2006, Jerome Pohlen, Oddball Texas: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places (page 63)

     The McKees' Munster Mansion continues a long tradition of Texans with edifice complexes.

   • 2013, Michael McKinnie, City Stages: Theatre and Urban Space in a Global City

     When John Juliani described theatre in Canada as suffering from an edifice complex, he had in mind regional theatre companies that occupied buildings like the SLC.