Art Deco Architecture: The Roots and History of Art Deco Influences

Art Deco is a lavish, unique style of architecture, décor and design. It seems to have originated from many, many different roots. However, Art Deco has no prior roots in the United States, where it became popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Stainless steel, aluminum, inlaid woods and lacquers are common with this style.

Many of the designs of early Art Deco involved elaborate forms of cubism. It continued on to evolve using more lavish designs of trapezoids, geometric shapes, as well as random zigzags. Art Deco also commonly used sunburst designs and various chevrons. Zebra patterns and sharkskin are also characteristic of this design movement.

In some cases, Art Deco can be mistaken for modern or contemporary styles. This is often because of the clean lines and simplicity used in the style. This made the home décor style an ideal choice for many Americans, especially during the Great Depression. Art Deco allowed Americans to decorate their home in a simplistic and creative way using less money.

Art Deco seems to have roots on every continent. Most professional designers agree that it is an eclectic mixture of Ancient Greek, Mayan, Aztec and Ancient Egyptian styles. Today, architecture of the Art Deco period are prominently displayed and easily spotted. Places such as South Beach (Miami,) Florida, Rio De Janeiro (Brazil,) Cuba, and New Zealand are flooded with Art Deco era buildings. It can also be seen in less prominent forms in places like France, Russia and Italy.

Some of the more famous architectural structures include Radio City Music Hall and the Empire State Building, both in New York City. It also includes both the Fisher and Guardian buildings in Detroit, Michigan and the Mather Tower (also known as the Lincoln Building,) in Chicago.

Today, many designers draw their influence from places such as New York and France as well as the more traditional influences of Ancient Egypt and Greece. Home décor versions of Art Deco are also frequently inspired by Russian Constructivism and many different forms of Futurism.

Back in the first half of the 1900s, Chrysler was very fond of the Art Deco style. Many of the grills of their vehicles were inspired by sunbursts. Many vehicles were even built solely in a futuristic style that echoed Art Deco. This would morph into a style called Streamline, or Streamline Moderne. In addition to this, the top of one of the more prominent and recognizable buildings, the Chrysler building uses a sunburst pattern at the very top to create its unique spire.

Today, Art Deco is making a small comeback. With many old style 1930s and 1940s paintings becoming readily available in the marketplace, as well as modernized versions of Art Deco furniture becoming more and more popular. It’s easy to see that Art Deco has earned a place in the hearts of Americans everywhere.

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Sources Cited:

Absolutely Florida Tourism Website; “History of Art Deco in Miami Beach”

Wikipedia; “Art Deco”

Jackie Craven, About.com; “Art Deco Architecture”