Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco Architecture In Context

Art Deco Architecture started in France before World War I between 1903-1904. It is a shortcut of “Arts Dรฉcoratifs” from the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925. During halcyon days, Art Deco architecture characterized extravagance, beauty, enthusiasm, and confidence in social and technological advancement. Art Deco Architecture is about luxurious materials and outstanding craftsmanship. This type of architecture was first built by two young architects, Auguste Perret and Henri Sauvage. The first Art Deco Architecture they built are the 2 apartment buildings in Paris.

Art Deco Architecture was a grand design movement that lasted from 1925 to the 1940s. It manifested itself after the austerity of World War I. Large cities throughout the United States and Europe started building Art Deco Architecture. This Architectural style is common for train stations, office buildings, and engineering projects like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Timothy Pflueger, a remarkable architect in San Francisco, is an advocate of Art Deco Architecture. He designed the first skyscrapers and movie theaters in San Francisco. His advocacy made modernism accessible to the masses during the 1920s.

Ingenuity in Designs

After World War I, people coveted for fun, fancy designs in architecture and art, greatly influenced by the Industrial Revolution. Shapes, geometric patterns, mirrored speed, motion, and aerodynamics experienced significant development during this period. Examples of these designs include simplified florals, zigzag patterns, striped insignia, outlandish Mayan and Egyptian imagery, aviation, and nautical imagery. Some Art Deco Architecture has stepped facade, glaring modern colors, and retro neon or conjures lively buoyancy. Most interior design for Art Deco features a touch of silver, black, and chrome color. For a tranquil interior, creams and beige complemented the silver and chrome accents. The materials and finishes for Art Deco interiors are lacquered, lighting is made in chrome and glass, and the mirrored surfaces with sunbeam shape increase the sense of space and light. Art Deco interior patterns include leaves, branches, feathers, stylized animals, nudes, and sunbursts. Woods such as ebony, walnut, maple, and ash are commonly used for Art Deco furniture pieces. Art Deco’s exterior designs widely use decadent work details, vibrant colors, and daring geometry.

Art Deco Architecture And San Francisco

The Art Deco Architecture depicted the vibrant 1920s and flourishing economy of San Franciso during that era. Though a lot from that era is gone, some timeless pieces remain. It is good that there is an Art Deco Society in California that aims to raise awareness and preserve the Art Deco era. They hold events and festivities all over San Francisco to celebrate and preserve Art Deco culture. In the modern era, old Art Deco structures’ elegant building designs still manage to captivate people. One can bask in the esoteric influence of 1920s San Francisco that was made possible by the most significant historical buildings that have survived. The legacy and the story of each pristine Art Deco Architectural pieces are truly remarkable. One can adapt, can find inspiration, and can nurture creativity, especially for aspiring architects.

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