What architectural feature inspired the Golden Arches in McDonald's early restaurant design?

McDonald's Golden Arches were inspired by arched roof signs in the chain's early restaurant design.

Architect Stanley Clark Meston designed the 1950s McDonald's restaurant format, while Richard McDonald suggested using two large yellow arches on either side of the building. The arches were intended to make the restaurant visible to passing motorists.

When viewed from an angle, the two structures could visually combine into an M. The design therefore served both a practical roadside purpose and a memorable branding purpose.

The arches later became a freestanding corporate symbol rather than merely an architectural feature. This is why modern McDonald's restaurants may use the Golden Arches even when their buildings do not have the original roof design.