Art Deco Architecture in the Urban American Landscape
Art Deco’s most enduring legacy is undoubtedly in the American architecture
erected when the Art Deco movement was in its prime, spanning 1922-1939.
Architecture, as an art form, brings an aesthetic value to the public; since the
majorities of erected buildings were public ones, such as skyscrapers,
courthouse, schools, theatres and the like, Art Deco architecture served its
purpose well. Even today, Art Deco architecture is prominently visible form
throughout the American landscape, with many original structures still in
existence and registered as historical landmarks. These buildings are the
fingerprint of the Art Deco movement.
Art Deco architecture is visually appealing in its physicality; and when fully
appreciated as art within the context of American history, Art Deco architecture
is considerably interesting and stimulating to the mind. Use of applied
ornamentation and extensive symbolic motifs and icons were meant to inspire
reverence for the past and the future. To contemplate Art Deco architecture’s
eclectic array of forms and symbolic applications today, is highly suggestive of
the cultural values, aspirations, and inspirations of the period when America
made Art Deco its own.
Art Deco Style is an eclectic style known for its contradictions and wide
variety of influences. Thus, Art Deco architecture’s contrasting forms, applied
ornamentation, and varied construction materials contributed to a manifesto of
conquest over the designs of the past and the future. Art Deco is known to be a
style that connotes opulence and glamour, and with the abundance of surface
ornament on the exterior of buildings constructed in the Art Deco style, this
standard was held high. The interiors of these buildings echoed the commanding
appearance of their exteriors, creating a cohesive and riveting setting.
The frequent use of applied ornamentation on Art Deco architecture is indicative
of American values during this period. During the 1920’s and 1930’s American
popular culture fell in love with the concept of speed and transport. These
concepts were represented clearly in the Art Deco architecture’s streamlined
forms, as well as in the sleek, sensual look of the automobiles, trains, planes,
and ships themselves. Often, icons of these vehicles of transport and design
were incorporated onto Art Deco architecture; their likenesses were rendered as
carvings of stone and metal, ornamenting doors, gates, floors, elevators and
even ceilings.
Carvings and sculptures, and murals, their painted counterparts found inside
many styles of Art Deco architecture tell historic tales and celebrate the
ideals to which Art Deco movement strove to capture and emulate. The
personification of abstract concepts and values such as in the sculptures
birthed from the imaginations of artists drew inspiration from Greek and Roman
mythological figures. Thus, the gods and goddess of sports, patience, adventure,
and progress were given bodies and faces and graced the entrances and interiors
of many examples of Art Deco architecture.
The film industry, a deeply important medium to the popular culture of the
period, elevated Art Deco style and was without question a vehicle that helped
to spread the styles popularity. It is interesting to note that many of the
architects responsible for the Art Deco architecture of the period worked in
conjunction with Hollywood set designers to formulate structures that had
presence, and conveyed a sense of atmosphere relevant to the times. The
collaboration produced a strict attention to form, a play on shadows, and use of
interesting images, due to the dramatic effects a form must have in order to
register on the black and white medium. In addition, the use of dramatic,
theatrical illumination of the Art Deco architecture produced by these
partnerships, gave the structures a larger than life stage presence.
Residential Art Deco Architecture
Art Deco style is a style of contradictions and extremes. It is unsurprising
then, to note that Art Deco architectural styles zigzag, classical and
streamlined moderne were typically represented on buildings considered being
within the public sphere. However, Art Deco architecture was hardly represented
in the constructions on the exteriors of private residences; most art deco
applications in private homes were in the interiors. Most private homes looked
very traditional; colonial style house and the Tudor style homes were very
popular. Particularly popular was the type of Tudor known as the “Stockbroker
Tudor.” This type was aptly named because it adhered to the Art Deco manifesto
of opulent luxury. The interiors of the so-called Stockbroker Tudor featured the
dark paneled walls, marble floors, and ornamental flourishes throughout.
In the late 1930’s, the streamlined moderne style was a favorite choice among
public buildings since it gave the subject a futuristic look. However, in
applications of private homes, most homeowners tended to shy away from
streamline moderne. To the average person, streamlined moderne looked too
uncomfortable and unapproachable. Only the ultra hip, wealthy clients of
privately commissioned designers, or architects themselves favored streamline
moderne for their private residences.
However, the interiors of homes were at the mercy of the Art Deco enamored
people who lived in them. Art Deco furniture, art, and household goods were
indications that the influences of the public sphere invaded the private one.
The American public’s fascination with ancient civilizations and all things
exotic led to decors that were as eclectic as they were generous in the
displaying of popular motifs. All things Egyptian, Chinese, and Moroccan
fascinated popular culture and these influences found their ways into the
sanctity of the American home.
