BDU ILA

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE ||

ARTDECO ARCHITECTURAL
MOVEMENT

By
Tensae Fanthahun........
Seble Fekade..................1507649
Table of contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical context
3. Key figures and ideas
4. Architectural characteristics
5. Case study
6. Impact and legacy
7. Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
A creative but short-lived movement, Art Deco not only influenced the architecture of most
American cities but had an impact on fashion, art, and furniture, too. From 1925 to1940,
Americans embraced Art Deco as a refreshing change from the eclectic and
revivalist sensibilities that preceded it. The style takes its name from the Exposition
Internationale des Arts Decoratifs held in Paris in 1925 as a showcase for new
inspiration. The style was essentially one of applied decoration. Buildings were richly
embellished with hard-edged, low-relief designs: geometric shapes, including chevrons and
ziggurats ; and stylized floral and sunrise patterns. Shapes and decorations inspired by Native
American artwork were among the archetypes of the Art Deco lexicon.

Although some buildings utilized expensive hand-crafted decoration, others made

do with machine-made repetitive decorations. To keep costs down, ornamental
treatment was often limited to the most visible parts of the building. Art Deco projects
produced dynamic collaborations between architects, painters, sculptors, and
designers—sometimes resulting in complete Art Deco environments like Old Miami Beach,
[Link] its day, some of what we now refer to as Art Deco was often called Moderne , or
Art Moderne, a term used to describe the most advanced design ideas of the 1930s through
to the end of World War II. Being close cousins, Art Deco and Art Moderne
shared stripped-down forms. But Art Moderne had a horizontal rather than vertical
emphasis,rounded rather than angular corners, and little surface ornamentation. Art Deco
was first applied to public and commercial buildings in the 1920s. Although individual
homes were rarely designed in the Art Deco style, architects and developers,
especially in Greater Washington, DC, found that the style adapted quite well to apartment
[Link] of these buildings are still in use, a testament to the city’s richly varied
architectural history. For all its panache, Art Deco was immensely practical in execution. For
projects on a tight budget, the simple box could be decorated with motifs and embellished
with appendages that made a conceptually rudimentary structure appear fashionable and
up to date. Visual interest could be further enhanced by stretching linear forms horizontally
and vertically throughout the building. This was frequently done with bands of
brick,canopies, or copings. A 1984 book, Washington Deco by Hans Wirz and Richard Striner
,catalogs over 400 Art Deco buildings in the Washington area. Two examples are on
Capitol Hill: the former Kresge Store at 666 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E., built in 1936 and
recently expanded (the Art Deco-style frieze on the building’s facade was part of
the1980s renovation of the building; the pattern for the frieze was taken from a
1930sfabric); and the Penn Theater at 650 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E., built in 1935. Although
the Penn Theater itself was demolished, the marquee and a portion of the facade have been
incorporated into the new building. Additional examples of Washington Art edco are the
Kennedy-Warren Apartments at 3133 Connecticut Avenue N.W., the Hecht Company
warehouse on New York Avenue N.E., and the sign of the former Grey hound Bus Terminal
on New York Avenue N.W. In classic Art Deco, rectangular block forms were often arranged
in geometric fashion, then broken up by curved ornamental [Link] always the aim
was a monolithic appearance with applied decorative motifs.

HISTORY
Art Deco, movement in the decorative arts and architecture that originated in the 1920s and
developed into a major style in western Europe and the United States during the 1930s.

Art Deco gained currency as a broadly applied stylistic label in 1968 when historian Bevis
Hillier published the first major acadeArt Deco took its name, short for Arts Décoratifs, from
the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925,
[4] though the diverse styles that characterised it had already appeared in Paris and Brussels
before World War I.

Arts décoratifs was first used in France in 1858 in the Bulletin de la Société française de
photographie.[8] In 1868, the Le Figaro newspaper used the term objets d'art décoratifs for
objects for stage scenery created for the Théâtre de l'Opéra.[9][10][11] In 1875, furniture
designers, textile, jewellers, glass-workers, and other craftsmen were officially given the
status of artists by the French government. In response, the École royale gratuite de dessin
(Royal Free School of Design), founded in 1766 under King Louis XVI to train artists and
artisans in crafts relating to the fine arts, was renamed the École nationale des arts
décoratifs (National School of Decorative Arts). It took its present name, ENSAD (École
nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs), in 1920..

The actual term art déco did not appear in print until 1966, in the title of the first modern
exhibition on the subject, held by the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, Les Années 25 :
Art déco, Bauhaus, Stijl, Esprit nouveau, which covered a variety of major styles in the 1920s
and 1930s. The term was then used in a 1966 newspaper article by Hillary Gelson in The
Times (London, 12 November), describing the different styles at the exhibit.

mic book on it, Art Deco of the 20s and 30s.[3] He noted that the term was already being
used by art dealers, and cites The Times (2 November 1966) and an essay named Les Arts
Déco in Elle magazine (November 1967) as examples.[14] In 1971, he organized an exhibition
at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, which he details in his book The World of Art Deco.

In its time, Art Deco was tagged with other names, like style moderne, Moderne,
modernistic or style contemporain, and was not recognized as a distinct and homogenous
style.
ART DECO AND ITS GLOBAL INFLUENCE
The 1920 Paris Expo helped the Art Deco design and style to gain recognition and pursue its
influence in different parts of the world. Its impact was notable in European cities such as
London, Barcelona, Warsaw, Milan, and Prague. The Art Deco patterns were designed for
cultural & institutional buildings and Art Deco facades for buildings that required adaptive
reuse.

Art Deco was not a single style, but a collection of different and sometimes contradictory
styles. In architecture, Art Deco was the successor to (and reaction against) Art Nouveau, a
style which flourished in Europe between 1895 and 1900, and coexisted with the Beaux-Arts
and neoclassical that were predominant in European and American architecture. In 1905
Eugène Grasset wrote and published Méthode de Composition Ornementale, Éléments
Rectilignes,[52] in which he systematically explored the decorative (ornamental) aspects of
geometric elements, forms, motifs and their variations, in contrast with (and as a departure
from) the undulating Art Nouveau style of Hector Guimard, so popular in Paris a few years
earlier. Grasset stressed the principle that various simple geometric shapes like triangles and
squares are the basis of all compositional arrangements. The reinforced-concrete buildings
of Auguste Perret and Henri Sauvage, and particularly the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées,
offered a new form of construction and decoration which was copied worldwide.[53]

Other styles borrowed included Futurism, Orphism, Functionalism, and Modernism in

general. Cubism discovers its decorative potential within the Art Deco aesthetic, when
transposed from the canvas onto a textile material or wallpaper. Sonia Delaunay conceives
her dress models in an abstract and geometric style, "as live paintings or sculptures of living
forms". Cubist-like designs are created by Louis Barrilet in the stained-glass windows of the
American bar at the Atrium Casino in Dax (1926), but also including names of fashionable
cocktails. In architecture, the clear contrast between horizontal and vertical volumes,
specific both to Russian Constructivism and the Frank Lloyd Wright-Willem Marinus Dudok
line, becomes a common device in articulating Art Deco façades, from individual homes and
tenement buildings to cinemas or oil stations.[69][35][57][70][71] Art Deco also used the
clashing colours and designs of Fauvism, notably in the work of Henri Matisse and André
Derain, inspired the designs of Art Deco textiles, wallpaper, and painted ceramics.[35] It took
ideas from the high fashion vocabulary of the period, which featured geometric designs,
chevrons, zigzags, and stylized bouquets of flowers. It was influenced by discoveries in
Egyptology, and growing interest in the Orient and in African art. From 1925 onwards, it was
often inspired by a passion for new machines, such as airships, automobiles and ocean
liners, and by 1930 this influence resulted in the style called Streamline Moderne.[72]

ART DECO VILLA AT HYDERABAD SANJANA MALLYA

The Art Deco buildings in the country are known for their curved or sleek facades, intricately
wrought ironwork, streamlined design, bold colors, and geometric patterns. Some institution
buildings include regional or private company logos that define the purpose and add to the
cultural experience in terms of aesthetics.
Art Deco in India:
There are many influences of Art Deco spread out over India. Art Deco buildings are seen in
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Of these cities, Mumbai possesses the most
number of Art Deco buildings. This includes – cultural and financial institutions and
residential buildings. In 2018, UNESCO inscribed the Art Deco ensembles in Mumbai as a
World Heritage City. The Art Deco buildings in the country are known for their curved or
sleek facades, intricately wrought ironwork, streamlined design, bold colors, and geometric
patterns. Some institution buildings include regional or private company logos that define
the purpose and add to the cultural experience in terms of aesthetics.

There are many residential buildings of Art Deco style in Mumbai. This includes the Queen’s
necklace at Marine Drive. Other neighborhoods include the apartments at Charni Road and
Matunga. These buildings continue to exhibit the nostalgic charm of the city and are a part
of city walks curated for heritage enthusiasts.

ART DECO IN USA

Art Deco has a widespread influence in the USA. It became popular in many cities and
influenced the design of architectural structures such as skyscrapers, theaters, hotel rooms,
lobbies, and everyday household items. It was also represented in photography and
[Link] well-known Art Deco collection in the country is seen in Miami and New York.
The collection in Miami is popular due to its Hollywood and other film representations. The
Art Deco buildings in Miami have vibrant colors that characterize the beachfront where it is
situated. The building has pastel colors and is streamlined. Some defining features in the
Miami Art Deco collection include curved edges, porthole windows, and terrazzo flooring.

TECHNOLOGIES THAT USED BY ART DECO

New materials and technologies, especially reinforced concrete, were key to the
development and appearance of Art Deco. The first concrete house was built in 1853 in the
Paris suburbs by François Coignet. In 1877 Joseph Monier introduced the idea of
strengthening the concrete with a mesh of iron rods in a grill pattern. In 1893, Auguste
Perret built the first concrete garage in Paris, then an apartment building, house, then, in
1913, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. The theatre was denounced by one critic as the
"Zeppelin of Avenue Montaigne", an alleged Germanic influence, copied from the Vienna
Secession. Thereafter, the majority of Art Deco buildings were made of reinforced concrete,
which gave greater freedom of form and less need for reinforcing pillars and columns. Perret
was also a pioneer in covering the concrete with ceramic tiles, both for protection and
decoration. The architect Le Corbusier first learned the uses of reinforced concrete working
as a draftsman in Perret's studio.[17]

Other new technologies that were important to Art Deco were new methods in producing
plate glass, which was less expensive and allowed much larger and stronger windows, and
for mass-producing aluminium, which was used for building and window frames and later,
by Corbusier, Warren McArthur, and others, for lightweight furniture.
INNOVATIONS DURING ART DECO
Using Modern Materials in Art Deco Style Architecture
In the era of Art Deco Architecture, architects were seen embracing taller buildings with
intricate designs, and modern art deco style elements like stainless steel, reinforced
concrete, plate glass, chrome plating, plastic, mass-produced aluminium, etc.

ART DECO AND MODERNISM

The Exposition Internationale brought together not only works in the Art Deco style, but put
crafted items near examples of avant-garde paintings and sculptures in styles such as
Cubism, Constructivism, Bauhaus, De Stijl, and Futurism. By the 1920s, Art Deco was an
exuberant, but largely mainstream, counterpoint to the more cerebral Bauhaus and De Stijl
aesthetics. All three shared an emphasis on clean, strong lines as an organizing design
principle. Art Deco practitioners embraced technological innovation, modern materials, and
mechanization and attempted to emphasize them in the overall aesthetic of the style itself.
Practitioners also borrowed and learned from other modernist movements. Art Deco came
to be regarded by admirers who were in-step with the forward-looking perspectives of
contemporary avant-garde movements. Ironically, modernist painting and sculpture played a
secondary role in the exhibition with the few exceptions of the Soviet pavilion and Le
Corbusier's Esprit Nouveau pavilion.

The 1920s and 1930s decorative and design style known as "Art Deco" had its beginnings in
France. It developed as a response to ornate and intricate styles and has strong geometric
shapes, streamlined forms, and luxurious materials. Sunbursts, chevrons, and stylised
renditions of organic shapes are frequent Art Deco architecture features, which also employ
a variety of other materials like glass, metal, marble, and exotic woods. It was used on many
different products, including clothing, jewellery, furniture, and buildings. From towering
skyscrapers to elegant private residences, the architects of the art deco era created some of
the most iconic and influential buildings of the Art Deco era. The Chrysler and Empire State
Buildings in New York City, as well as the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, are notable examples of
Art Deco architecture.

ARCHITECTS
Art Deco architects, who used an innovative approach, bold geometric forms, and lavish
ornamentation, left an enduring legacy in the realm of architectural design. Their creations
continue to captivate and inspire Art Deco enthusiasts worldwide. The contributions of some
of the top Art Deco Architects will be explored in the following sections exploring the impact
of their iconic structures on the architectural landscape of their time and beyond.
1. William Van Alen

William Van Alen was an American art deco architect who played a significant role in the Art
Deco movement. He is best known for designing the iconic Chrysler Building in New York
City, which is widely regarded as one of the most important Art Deco buildings in the world.

Chrysler Building by William Van Alen

Van Alen's notable works include the Irving Trust Company Building (now the Bank of New
York Building) in New York City and the Starrett-Lehigh Building in Manhattan. He was known
for his innovative use of materials and attention to detail, evident in the complex decoration
and decorative elements of his buildings.
The Chrysler Building, a 77-storey skyscraper completed in 1930, was first built as the head
office of the Chrysler Corporation. With its slender shape, complex ornamentation and
stainless steel spire, the structure features a unique Art Deco design. Although it was never
used for that purpose, the spire was initially intended to be a mooring mast for dirigibles.

2. Lina Bo Bardi

Italian-born Lina Bo Bardi was an art deco architect and designer. She was born in Rome in
1914 and completed her studies in architecture there before relocating to Brazil in the
1940s. She is best known for her creative architectural designs that combined modernist and
indigenous Brazilian elements to produce a distinctive look. She was an accomplished
curator and furniture designer who made a significant contribution to the growth of the
Brazilian design scene.

The Glass House, which she designed in 1951 in Sao Paulo, is among her best-known
creations. The building has a striking modernist style with clear lines, straightforward forms,
and a focus on natural light.
The Sao Paulo Museum of Art and the SESC Pompéia are just two of the notable structures
she created in Brazil during the Art Deco period.

She was a respected writer and curator of design in addition to her work as an architect. She
was instrumental in the growth of the Brazilian Museum of Modern Art and assisted in the
planning of several significant modernist design exhibitions.

3. Eileen Gray

Eileen Gray was an Irish-born architect and designer who was one of the most important
figures of the Art Deco era. She was born in 1878 in Ireland and studied at the Slade School
of Fine Art in London and the Académie Julian in Paris. She is best known for her original
furniture designs, which are distinguished by their sleek, minimalistic aesthetic and use of
cutting-edge materials like tubular steel and chrome.
The E-1027 House, one of her most well-known creations, was created in conjunction with
her partner, architect Jean Badovici. The house was built in 1929 and is situated on the
southern French coast. It has a striking modernist design with clear lines, straightforward
forms, and a focus on natural light.

The Villa Tempe a Pailla in France, as well as several apartments and furniture designs for
affluent clients in Paris, were among the notable structures and interiors she also created
during the Art Deco period. She made a significant contribution to the Art Deco movement,
but until the latter part of the 20th century, the mainstream design community largely
ignored her.

4. Raymond Hood

American art deco architect Raymond Hood

became known for his cutting-edge creations in the Art Deco era. He was born in Rhode
Island in 1881 and graduated from the School of Fine Arts in Paris and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology. His work in New York, where he designed several remarkable Art
Deco buildings.

The completion of the McGraw-Hill Building in 1931 was one of his most famous designs.
The structure had a striking Art Deco style, with a dramatic entry, a stepped tower, and
geometric detailing. The Daily News Building, the American Radiator Building and the New
York Telephone Company Building are just a few of Hood's other remarkable designs.

His creations were known for their strong contemporary art deco style and innovative use of
materials such as steel and glass.
Hood was also an advocate of the
"international" style of architecture,
which stressed simplicity,
functionality, and a rejection of
historic ornamentation. His work has
had an important influence on the
development of modernist
architecture in the USA and
worldwide

5. Walter Gropius

Walter Gropius was a German art deco architect and one of the most prominent figures of
the modernist movement in architecture. He is best
known for founding the German Bauhaus school, which had a major influence on the growth
of modernist architecture and design.
He collaborated with Adolf Meyer to design the Fagus Factory in Alfeld, Germany, which is
one of his most well-known Art Deco creations. The building, which was finished in 1911, has
a striking modernist design and was one of the first to use reinforced concrete as a
structural element.

Along with the Dessau Bauhaus building, the Gropius House in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and
the Harvard Graduate Centre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he also created several other
notable structures during the Art Deco era. These structures stand out for their
straightforward, practical designs and innovative use of materials like glass, steel, and
concrete. He was a prolific writer and
educator in addition to being an
architect, and he had a significant
impact on the development of
modernist architecture and design in the
20th century.

6. Charlotte Perriand

Charlotte Perriand was a French art deco

architect and designer who was

one of the leading figures of the Art Deco era. She was raised in Paris and attended the Ecole
de l'Union
Centrale des Arts Décoratifs. Her furniture designs, which were distinguished by their
straightforward, practical shapes and use of cutting-edge materials like steel and aluminium,
are what she is best known for.

She collaborated with some of the most significant designers and architects of the time, such
as Jean Prouvé and Le Corbusier. The LC4 chaise lounge, which Perriand created with Le
Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928, is one of her best-known creations. The Italian
furniture company Cassina is still making the chaise, which has a modern, sleek design.

The B306 chaise longue and the

Grand Confort armchair were two
additional notable pieces of
furniture she created during the
Art Deco era. She was also a
skilled architect and interior
decorator who, during her
career, worked on several
significant projects, including the
Les Arcs ski resort in the
French Alps. Her designs are still in high demand by collectors and design enthusiasts all over
the world because of how significantly her work influenced the development of modernist
design.

7. Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier is best known for his modernist architecture, which emphasises usability,
simplicity, and a lack of ornamentation. He was a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete,
and his designs frequently had simple lines, sizable windows, and a focus on natural light.

The Villa Savoye in Poissy, France, which he designed in 1929, is among his best-known
creations. The villa has an eye-catching modernist design that emphasises natural light, a
minimalist aesthetic, and a roof garden. His other notable Art Deco creations include the
Unité d'Habitation in Marseille and the Swiss Pavilion at the 1930 International Exhibition in
Brussels.

Along with his work as an architect, he was

a prolific designer who produced furniture,
lighting, and other items with simple lines
and a minimalistic aesthetic. He was a
well-known author who wrote numerous
books and essays on architecture and
design. Le Corbusier's work had a
significant impact on the growth of
modernist architecture and design, and his concepts are still being researched and discussed
by architects and designers today.

8. Robert Mallet-Stevens
Robert Mallet-Stevens was a prominent French architect and designer known for his
significant contributions to the Art Deco movement. Born in 1886, Mallet-Stevens emerged
as a leading figure in the early 20th century, embracing the modernist principles of the era.
His architectural style was
characterised by clean lines,
geometric forms, and a focus on
functionality combined with
artistic expression.

Mallet-Stevens' work often featured sleek facades, flat roofs, and the innovative use of
materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. His designs emphasised simplicity and efficiency,
reflecting the machine age aesthetic prevalent in Art Deco architecture. One of his notable
projects is the Villa Noailles in Hyères, France, completed in 1923. This iconic villa
exemplifies Mallet-Stevens' signature style with its cubic volumes, asymmetrical
composition, and attention to spatial relationships. His influence extended beyond
architecture to interior design and furniture, where he applied the same principles of

elegance and practicality.

9. Timothy Pflueger
Timothy Pflueger was a pioneering American architect known for his influential
contributions to Art Deco architecture, particularly in San Francisco during the early to mid-
20th century. Born in 1892, Pflueger's work reflected the dynamic and streamlined aesthetic
of the Art Deco movement, characterised by bold geometric shapes, decorative motifs, and
modern materials. He played a key role in defining the architectural landscape of San
Francisco, leaving behind a legacy of iconic buildings that showcase his innovative style.

One
of

Pflueger's most celebrated works is the Pacific

Telephone Building (now known as the PacBell
Building) completed in 1925. This skyscraper exemplifies Art Deco design with its striking
vertical lines, elaborate terra-cotta ornamentation, and setbacks that emphasise its height.
Pflueger's skilful integration of sculpture, murals, and other decorative elements into the
building's exterior and interior further underscores his commitment to creating cohesive and
visually compelling architectural compositions. Beyond skyscrapers, Pflueger's portfolio
includes theatres like the Castro Theatre and Paramount Theatre, both notable for their Art
Deco facades and lavish interiors that reflect the glamour of the era.

PRINCIPLES
A decorative style of bold geometric shapes and bright colours, it encompassed furniture,
textiles, ceramics, sculpture and architecture

Choice of materials: Art Deco buildings use materials like stucco, terracotta, decorative glass,
chrome, steel, and aluminium.

Ornate, geometric detailing: motifs and ornamental details were applied to a building. Some
common Art Deco motifs include chevrons, pyramids, stylised sunbursts or florals, zig-zags,
and other geometric shapes.

Consistent detailing: A designer or architect would include similar Art Deco elements on
both the exterior and interior so that each building carried out a consistent theme.

Contrasting colours: Bright, opulent colours are synonymous with the Art Deco period.
Buildings incorporated stark colours like black and white or gold and silver to create
contrast.

Fragmented shapes: Many facades were created using vertical lines that were angular and
pointed in an upward and outward direction. These triangular shapes were capped off with a
series of steps that eventually come to a point.

Decorative, geometric windows: Windows and doors were decorated with geometric
designs. The windows could be glass block or a series of opaque glass inserts and were often
positioned in a long, horizontal row.

Parapets and spires: Corners of buildings were often decorated with tower-like structures
that would make a simple square building seem more opulent.

Each of these factors distilled Art Deco design into a number of recognisable stylistic
characteristics:

Symmetry

Layered shapes

Intricate line art

Rectilinear geometry

Aerodynamic curves

Metallic colours like gold and chrome

Space
Aesthetic elements analysis for Interior component of the Art Deco style The space interface
shape, volume, and structure size in Art Deco style are very important for research of
decorative art. The analysis as well as relevant researches on the interior space interface
paving materials, space shape pattern, space node structure approach, volume of decorative
elements, form, style, and color of historical buildings contributes to the data’s inductive
sorting in interface organization from, article texture pattern, and furniture style pattern. It
also contributes to the enlargement and perfection of interior space material in Art Deco
style to merge the space furnishings into the outlook of historical & cultural environment.

The interior space form and structure distributes with stepped shapes, stressing the use of
vertical lines. One feature of the interior space interface in Art Deco style is to attach great
importance to embody the simplicity of the space interface and the appearance style of the
furniture, emphasizes the use of vertical lines. Except that, decorative parts and materials
emphasize the vertical molding. At the same time, Art Deco style focus on showing the
texture of interior decoration materials, especially using the deployment of marble, granite
and other hard materials with a smooth material, which can reflect the luster and the
reflective effect can form a clear line reflection.

Focus on decorative geometry, radiation use, and V patterns In spatial modeling, radial fan-
shaped sunlight and gear-shaped or streamlined lines are used heavily, decorated with
simple symmetrical [Link] composition, staircase pattern, shark pattern, and zebra
pattern and painted with bright and contrasting colors. The space is mainly decorated
geometrically. Various simple decorative elements are utilized for interior decoration, such
as 2016 International Conference on Civil, Structure, Environmental Engineering (I3CSEE
2016)© 2016. The authors - Published by Atlantis Press0229

square, circle, triangle, and diamond, forming the geometric texture and avoiding the
tedious decoration pattern to achieve good decorative effect. This approach is usually used
in indoor fireplace, space interface, furniture veneer and other components

In the style of space interface and the doorway, the form law of symmetry, repetition,
gradient is fully utilized. The stepped changes make originally simple modeling become
more intriguing with rich layers. At the same time, rich-lined decoration and layer-by-layer
retracted structure contour together with full-bodied and rich emotional color elements are
important means to create the emotion of the decorative art. Meanwhile, the style requires
that indoor lights are arranged to reflect a sense of rhythm with clear cadence and form a
patterned straight line or curve
Here are some art-deco features you can borrow.

Curves: Softly rounded corners are one of the hallmarks of the style, accentuating shape,
balance and proportion. Curves bring an interesting, asymmetric element to the facade, or
accentuate a grand portico or generous balcony.

Black accents: Black or charcoal-coloured doors, architraves, window frames and

balustrades like that of the railings on an art-deco ship.

White rendering: The natural way to keep the whole look fresh while ensuring the black
accents pop. Elegant, contemporary, simplistic and stunning.

Motifs: Classic shapes and patterns including sunbursts, parallel lines, fans, chevrons and
triangles were used to layer understated appeal to a modern-art-deco façade – repeated in
the interior design with mirrors, intricate ceiling mouldings, cornices, fireplaces, and joinery.

Flat roof: The roof doesn’t always have to be flat but the idea is to allow the art-deco
shape, curve and balance of the exterior to take centre stage. Horizontal lines: Linear
mouldings etched into the facade highlight clean lines, generous proportions and elegant
street appeal.

Internally, an art deco-inspired home should implement expansive light-filled living areas, a
sumptuous master suite, lavish bathrooms and fabulous outdoor entertaining – just as it
would do in any 2021 home.

The key elements of Art Deco architecture can be summarised as follows:

1. Streamlined Design - Movement created through line

2. Bold Shapes - Clear outlines and strong profiles

3. Geometric Design - Angularity with an emphasis on colour and contrast

4. Colour and Decoration - Bright colours, bold patterns and new, luxurious materials

Interior Design Characteristics

Art Deco is characterized by strong geometric shapes, bright and contrasting colours and
luxurious and exotic materials. The stylistic elements seen inthe architecture of the time
were similarly reflected in the interiors of buildings.

Colour
Art Deco was about making a statement. When it came to colour, all hues from reds to
yellows, to blues to black were used. The common element was the level of saturation and
intensity of colour to give impact to an artwork, interior or product.

Added interest came from the way colour was used for example in pattern and contrast to
metallic elements of the designs.

Material

Art deco design made use of a range of materials, but typically deco style ensured a
luxurious, glossy or reflective finish. For example, timber was highly polished, or given a
lacquered finish that at the time had an unparalleled glamour. Lacquered furniture was a key
element in luxury art deco design.

The tenancy toward high shine was also demonstrated in the heavy use of metal and mirror.
Metallic elements were incorporated into furniture and mirror was used on walls and
furniture to reflect light and add a sense of glamour.

Pattern

Bold pattern was a key characteristic of art deco design. Patterns that were widely used
throughout deco interiors included leaves, branches and feathers; trapezoids, chevrons and
zigzags; stylized animals and nudes; sunbursts, and jagged, stepped or pointed edges that
are reminiscent of skyscrapers.

Statement, geometric floors were a popular art deco trend. For example, polished chevron
parquet flooring and back and white tile design gave a strong art deco aesthetic. Pattern was
seen everywhere:floors, walls, ceilings, furniture.
case study
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

When disruptive leaks made the 85ᵗʰ-floor

walkway at the Empire State Building unsafe,

Stormcure took on the job, a solution was
needed to quickly solve the issues whilst
proving a hard-wearing trafficable solution.
Protec FW-25 was chosen for its highly flexible,
fast-curing application, with cure times of just
30-60 minutes, allowing daily operations to
continue uninterrupted.

A key approach the team used in identifying opportunities for the technical potential was to
leverage the concept of the “right steps in the right order.” This approach helps to ensure
the team considers all options to reduce the need for lighting, heating, and cooling before
considering effi cient equipment to meet these needs. Ultimately, the energy eff iciency
measures for the Empire State Building retrofit aligned with three key pieces that ensured
the right steps happened in the right order:
1. Reduce Loads: First, the team looked at design
solutions that could reduce the thermal loads on
the building, thus reducing the need for heating
and cooling. The energy effi ciency measures
that contributed to heating and cooling load
reduction strategies included the following:

a. Window Retrofi t: Windows were

remanufactured on site to reduce the solar heat
gain and conduction.

b. Radiant Barriers: Radiant barriers were placed

behind the perimeter heating units to direct
more heat into the building rather than losing it
through the wall to the outside.
c. Tenant Loads: More effi cient electric lighting
was installed with controls that will help tenant
spaces maximize daylight. Individual workstation
energy use (plug loads) will be reduced through
occupancy sensors and tenant education and
feedback.

2. Install Effi cient Systems: To meet the reduced loads of the new spaces, heating and
cooling systems were upgraded with
the most efficient systems available.
a. Chiller Retrofi t: The team reused
the shells of the existing industrial
electric chillers and replaced the tubes,
valves and motors with high efficiency
equipment.
b. Air Handling Units: Variable air
volume air handling units will
replace less efficient constant
volume air handlers.

These provide greater control and

occupant comfort while saving
energy.

[Link] Controlling and

Monitoring Energy Systems:

a. Tenant Energy Management,

Monitoring, and Submetering:
Tenants will receive real-time
feedback regarding their energy use
and will be able to benchmark their
energy use against that of other
tenants.

b. Demand Control Ventilation:

Measuring CO2 concentrations
inside the building will determine appropriate levels of outside air to be brought to the
building. This will improve air quality while also reducing energy use (by not conditioning
unnecessary amounts of outside air).
c. Direct Digital Controls (DDC): Controls help to optimize HVAC system operation as well as
to provide more granular sub-metering of energy use.

Other Benefits
The Empire State Building energy efficiency retrofit is just
one component of a huge capital investment aimed at
repositioning this iconic skyscraper as a Class A, state-of-
the-art office building. The energy efficiency retrofit has
created great public relations and is now serving as
inspiration and a model for other multi-tenant, multi-story
[Link] addition to energy savings, the retrofit measures
also improve indoor environmental quality for tenants by
way of enhanced thermal comfort from better windows,
radiative barriers and superior controls; they improve
indoor air quality through tenant demand-controlled
ventilation; and they create better lighting conditions that
coordinate ambient and task lighting.
The Empire State Building in New York City
is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks
and was the first building ever constructed
with over 100 stories.

With a roof height of 1,250ft, plus an antenna that extends the total height by another 204ft,
the Empire State Building held the title of the tallest building in the world from 1931 until
1970. Its architectural significance and cultural impact earned it a place among the Seven
Wonders of the Modern World in 1994.
When the walkway on the 85th floor developed leaks and was at risk of becoming unsafe,
the client looked for a quick yet lasting solution for this challenge. The project demanded
experience of working safely at extreme heights, and with Thousands of visitors to the
Empire State Building every day, operations must continue without disruption.
More than 1,860ft² of walkways
and maintenance areas were
expertly waterproofed to the
highest standards using the Protec
FW-25 system, ensuring a safe
environment once again for
maintenance and engineering
personnel.

Stormcure selected Protec FW-25 for its exceptional versatility and rapid curing time. Known
for its flexibility and durability, this system also comes with a 20-year warranty. Protec FW-
25 offers high performance and unmatched application speed, allowing for quick forming
around details and creating a completely watertight seal. The waterproofing system had to
be in keeping with the aesthetic of the building, therefore Protec FW-25 was pigmented
Terracotta at the clients request.

This project was completed smoothly and swiftly, keeping the building fully operational and
meeting all the client’s needs. The finished walkways underwent a rigorous inspection and
were approved for warranty, leaving the client extremely satisfied.
Influences and legacies

Influence on Modern Design

The principles of Art Deco, such as geometric shapes, bold colors, and modern materials,
continue to influence modern design. Elements of Art Deco can be seen in contemporary
architecture, furniture, fashion, and graphic design, demonstrating the enduring legacy of
this iconic style.

Art Deco was often used in public buildings such as theaters, hotels, and skyscrapers and
became a symbol of modernity and progress.

Today, the influence of Art Deco can be found in a wide variety of modern buildings, and
despite being considered a historical style, its elegant and timeless aesthetic continues to
inspire contemporary architects worldwide.

A distinctive aspect of Art Deco that we can continue to appreciate in our time is the
implementation of lights and lamps, as these are crucial elements in the decoration of this
style and are used to highlight architectural features and create a cozy, sophisticated
environment.

Likewise, elaborate ornamental details, ranging from sculptures and bas-reliefs to mosaics
and frescoes, are an integral part of this style that we can still appreciate.

There is no doubt that, even though more than a century has passed since its inception, the
legacy of Art Deco is still evident in modern architecture.
In conclusion

Art Deco's legacy has persisted for almost a century, and modern architecture and design
continue to reflect its influence. From William Van Alen's iconic Chrysler Building to Eileen
Grey's modernist villa, E-1027, this blog post has highlighted the work of seven significant art
deco architects who helped to define the art deco style. Each architect contributed their
distinct vision to the Art Deco movement, pushing the boundaries of form, function, and
material to produce structures that still fascinate and inspire us today. Through their work,
we can better understand this timeless style's appeal and how it has influenced architecture
and design throughout the 20th century and beyond.