Art Deco Architecture: Reviving the Glamour of the 1920s

The 1920s Art Deco architecture movement was a captivating blend of innovation, luxury, and mass appeal. It encapsulated the highs and lows of a pivotal era, from the opulent speakeasies of prohibition to the resourcefulness born out of the Great Depression. Let's dive into the history and characteristics of this iconic architectural style.

The Rise of Art Deco-Style Architecture

Art Deco made its debut in Paris between 1903 and 1904, with the construction of two apartment complexes by Auguste Perret and Henri Sauvage. The use of reinforced concrete and simple, rectangular shapes marked a departure from the previous Art Nouveau style. After World War I, this new architectural approach gained momentum across the United States and Europe.

Close-up of the Chrysler Building in New York City, the quintessential Art Deco building; Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Art Deco found its place in office spaces, government buildings, theaters, and railway stations. It often blended with other architectural styles, such as the Spanish mission architecture seen in the Los Angeles railway terminus. Notably, Art Deco elements were also incorporated into engineering marvels like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover Dam.

As the movement spread, it became truly international, influencing iconic structures like Mexico City’s Palace of Fine Arts and Tokyo’s National Diet Building. Even ocean liners like the SS Normandie flaunted Art Deco designs, featuring Lalique glass in the dining room.

Cathedrals of Commerce

The grandiose interiors of government facilities, theaters, and office complexes were a testament to American Art Deco. Bright and vibrant, these spaces boasted sculptures, murals, and intricate geometric designs crafted from glass, marble, ceramics, and stainless steel. For instance, Detroit’s Fisher Building captivated visitors with its lavish art and ceramics, earning it the moniker "Cathedral of Commerce."

San Francisco’s Medical and Dental Building drew inspiration from Mayan architecture, featuring pyramid formations and stylized hieroglyphs adorning its walls. Meanwhile, the Palais de la Porte Dorée in France was a pinnacle of Art Deco interiors, showcasing a geometric wood parquet floor, a painting celebrating French colonies, and a harmonious arrangement.

Movie Palaces

Movie palaces from the 1920s and 1930s remain some of the most incredible examples of Art Deco. As silent films transitioned to sound, studios built extravagant theaters to accommodate the booming demand. These cinemas often merged exotic themes with Art Deco architecture.

One noteworthy example is Grauman's Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, which drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian pyramids and tombs. Another is the Fox Theater in California, known for its Art Deco auditorium and added tower.

The interiors of these movie palaces featured materials like aluminum, glass, chrome, and leather, creating a visual escape from reality. One stellar example is the California Paramount Theater, with its colorful ceramic facade, four-story lobby, and dedicated Art Deco smoking rooms. Europe also saw the rise of magnificent cinema palaces, with the Grand Rex in Paris becoming the largest cinema in Europe after the Gaumont-Palace.

Streamline Moderne

In the late 1930s, a new style emerged within Art Deco known as Streamline Moderne. The hallmark of this design was its rounded edges and long, flat lines, often seen in white, reinforced concrete structures. Nautical elements like handrails and portholes, mimicking those on a ship, were also incorporated.

Streamline Moderne was primarily used in transportation-related buildings such as bus terminals, airports, filling stations, and restaurants. Diners, resembling streamlined train carriages, emerged in New England communities. While many were lost to time, a few have been preserved as historic sites, showcasing the true beauty of this architectural style.

Interior Decoration

Art Deco's interior decoration had various periods of unique style. The transition from Art Nouveau to a return to traditional design forms took place between 1910 and 1920. This shift was influenced by the Fauves aesthetic movement and the vibrant costumes and sets of the Ballets Russes.

The pinnacle of Art Deco interior design came with the 1925 Paris Exposition of Decorative Arts. The ornamental style continued to evolve, influenced by new materials and technology. Furniture and decor adopted a streamlined and glossy appearance, often featuring curved corners. Chrome-plated steel and aluminum emerged as new materials in furniture and decorating.

Throughout the Art Deco period, the decoration themes mirrored the purpose and essence of the buildings. The Chrysler Building, for example, displayed styled hood ornaments, while the WPA murals of the 1930s depicted everyday people engaged in various activities.

Famous Art Deco Buildings

Now that we've explored the history and characteristics of Art Deco architecture, let's dive into some famous examples that still enchant us today. These buildings showcase the beauty and grandeur of this iconic style:

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Ganshoren, Belgium)

• Date Completed: 1847
• Architect: Albert Van Huffel (1877 - 1935)
• Style: Art Deco
• Location: Ganshoren, Belgium

Majorelle Garden (Marrakech, Morocco)

• Date Completed: 1923
• Architect: Paul Sinoir
• Style: Art Deco
• Location: Marrakech, Morocco

Eastern Columbia Building (Los Angeles, USA)

• Date Completed: 1930
• Architect: Claud Beelman (1883 - 1963)
• Style: Art Deco
• Location: Los Angeles, USA

Paramount Theater (Oakland, USA)

• Date Completed: 1931
• Architect: Timothy L. Pflueger (1892 - 1946)
• Style: Art Deco
• Location: Oakland, USA

Fair Park (Dallas, USA)

• Date Completed: 1936
• Architect: George L. Dahl (1894 - 1987)
• Style: Art Deco
• Location: Dallas, USA

Rockefeller Center (New York City, USA)

• Date Completed: 1939
• Architect: Raymond Hood (1881 - 1934)
• Style: Art Deco
• Location: New York, USA

Art Deco architecture continues to captivate us with its elegance and timeless allure. These iconic buildings serve as a reminder of a momentous era where design embraced progress, functionality, and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Characteristics of 1920s Art Deco Architecture?

The 1920s Art Deco architecture was characterized by stylized forms, geometric patterns, and striking motifs such as chevrons, sunbursts, and zigzags. The elaborate religious and floral elements of previous styles were replaced with a more modern, streamlined aesthetic.

Who Adopted Art Deco-Style Architecture?

Art Deco gained enthusiastic adoption from architects during the economic and real estate boom of the 1920s. Its subtle grandeur perfectly symbolized progress and modernity, while still enhancing everyday structures with a touch of sophistication.

Let the glamour of the 1920s Art Deco architecture inspire you as you explore the beauty and creativity of this iconic style.