Exploring Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco architecture is an architectural style that developed in the 1920s and 1930s. Architects embraced Art Deco as a way to break from the past, moving away from the ornate styles of the 19th century and embracing the machine age.

The style reflected the optimism and forward-looking spirit of the era, incorporating new technologies and materials like steel, glass, and concrete into fixtures like sliding doors and windows. It is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, bold colors, and lavish ornamentation.

The style was part of a larger Art Deco movement that influenced various forms of design, including fashion, furniture, and art. These ideas are used in designing both office buildings and public buildings.

What is Art Deco Architecture?

Art Deco architecture is a style that represents a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modernist influences. It is known for its emphasis on symmetry, repetition of geometric shapes, and the use of bold, decorative elements.

Buildings in this style often feature stepped forms, ziggurats, and stylized motifs such as sunbursts, zigzags, and chevrons. These designs were meant to symbolize progress, modernity, and the dynamism of the modern age.

Unlike the minimalism of later modernist movements, this modern architecture embraced decoration, often incorporating motifs inspired by ancient civilizations, such as Egyptian, Aztec, and Mayan cultures. This combination of modern and ancient influences gave Art Deco buildings a unique and timeless appeal.

Elements & Features of Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco architecture is distinguished by several key elements and features that make it instantly recognizable. These characteristics work together to create a style that is both decorative and functional.

Geometric Shapes and Symmetry

Common geometric lines and forms include rectangles, triangles, and circles, often arranged in repetitive patterns. Symmetry is a crucial element, with buildings often featuring a central axis around which other design elements are balanced. This creates a sense of order and stability, which was highly valued in Art Deco design.

Decorative Motifs

Common motifs include sunbursts, zigzags, chevrons, and stylized floral patterns. These designs are often inspired by ancient cultures and are used to add visual interest and complexity to the buildings’ exteriors and interiors.

The motifs are usually incorporated into the building’s facades, metalwork, and interior detailing, contributing to the overall luxurious feel of the architecture.

Use of Modern Materials

Art Deco architecture embraces the use of modern design and luxurious materials that were new and innovative at the time. These materials include chrome, steel, glass, and reinforced concrete. These are used to make sliding doors and specialty doors to add a touch of elegance.

The use of these materials allowed for the creation of sleek, streamlined buildings with clean lines and smooth surfaces. Glass, in particular, was used extensively in windows and decorative elements, adding a sense of transparency and lightness to the structures.

Stepped and Ziggurat Forms

One of the most iconic features of Art Deco architecture is the use of stepped forms, often referred to as ziggurats. These forms are characterized by a series of receding levels that give the building a tiered appearance.

This design element is often seen in skyscrapers, where the structure tapers as it rises, creating a visually striking profile. The stepped forms also help to emphasize the verticality of the buildings, a common theme in Art Deco design.

Ornamental Metalwork

Metalwork plays a significant role in Art Deco architecture, often used to create intricate decorative details on buildings. This includes metal railings, grilles, and decorative panels, typically made from materials like chrome, aluminum, or stainless steel.

Streamlined Silhouettes

While Art Deco is known for its decorative elements, it also embraces streamlined forms – “streamline moderne” forms – that reflect the influence of the machine age. Buildings often have smooth, curving silhouettes that suggest speed and efficiency.

This combination of ornamentation and streamlined design results in buildings that are both decorative and functional, embodying the spirit of modernity that Art Deco celebrates.

Examples of Art Deco Style Architecture Projects

The Chrysler Building, New York City

The Chrysler Building is one of the most famous examples of Art Deco architecture. Completed in 1930, it was briefly the tallest building in the world. The building is known for its distinctive spire, which features a series of radiating arches, a design inspired by automotive themes. 

The Chrysler Building’s facade is adorned with chrome detailing, sunburst motifs, and eagles, all of which contribute to its iconic Art Deco appearance.

The Empire State Building, New York City

Another iconic Art Deco skyscraper, the Empire State Building, was completed in 1931. Its streamlined form and symmetrical design are classic examples of Art Deco architecture. 

The building’s facade features a series of setbacks that create a ziggurat-like effect, emphasizing its verticality. The use of modern materials, such as steel and glass, along with its ornamental detailing, makes the Empire State Building a quintessential example of Art Deco design.

The Miami Beach Architectural District, Florida

The Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Art Deco District, is home to one of the largest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. This area features over 800 buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing the colorful and playful side of Art Deco. 

The buildings in this district often feature pastel colors, porthole windows, and neon lighting, reflecting the tropical and vibrant atmosphere of Miami Beach.

The Palais de Chaillot, Paris

The Palais de Chaillot, built for the 1937 Exposition Internationale in Paris, is a prime example of Art Deco architecture in Europe. The building features symmetrical wings that enclose a central courtyard, with facades adorned with bas-reliefs and sculptures. 

The use of stone, marble, and metalwork gives the Palais de Chaillot a sense of grandeur and elegance, making it a significant example of Art Deco architecture.

The Hoover Building, London

The Hoover Building, completed in 1933, is a striking example of Art Deco architecture in the UK. Originally a factory for the Hoover Company, the building features a facade decorated with bold geometric patterns, colorful tiles, and ornamental metalwork. 

The Hoover Building’s design reflects the optimism and modernity of the Art Deco movement, making it one of London’s most celebrated examples of the style.

Elevate Your Home with Euroline Steel Windows and Doors

Transform your living space with Euroline’s exquisite collection of custom steel windows and sliding doors. Our expert team specializes in crafting stunning designs that perfectly complement your home’s unique style and functionality.

From sleek and modern to classic and timeless, our extensive range of options offers endless possibilities to enhance your interior. Check our products and see how we can help you get inspired by the Art Deco architecture style.