Art Deco Movement 1

Mechanization came to be regarded as a sort of essential motor to the march of history, requiring an appropriate expression in architecture and design. There was a debate concerning the ideal relationship between the artist and industry. Peter Behrens , lamp design for AEG , 1907 Bruno Taut , Glass Pavilion , Colonge, 1914

Broadly speaking there were 4 strands of opinion: Direct continuation of Arts and Crafts values in Schools of Applied Art with a belief that quality goods would be achieved only through a concentration on handicrafts. That authentic forms in architecture could arise only from the imprint of expressive temperament-i.e. subjective aspects of Art Nouveau leading to the expressive outlook. That the best forms would be those emerging from the logical and direct use of new materials to solve building problems- i.e. a functional outlook. To regard the functionalist as an uncultivated brute, the Expressionist as an irrelevant remnant of the cult of genius, and the craftsman as an extinct entity unless directed to the problems of designing objects for mass production. Thus it became the business of the artist/architect to design the 'type forms' .

ART DECO The period 'art deco' manifested roughly between the two world wars, or 1920 to 1939. This period of design and style did not just affect architecture, but all of the fine and applied arts as well. Furniture, sculpture, clothing, jewellery and graphic design were all influenced by the art deco style. Basically it was a "modernization" of many artistic styles and themes from the past. There is an influence of Far and middle Eastern Design, Greek and Roman themes and even Egyptian and Mayan influence. La Maîtrise Pavillon des Galeries Lafayette features typography and metalwork that would become part of the Art Deco style, however the building itself is still highly classical (L’art Nouveau).

bright, sometimes garish colours. The art deco style, which above all reflected modern technology, was characterized by smooth lines, geometric shapes, streamlined forms and bright, sometimes garish colours. The primary façade of Art Deco buildings often feature a series of Set backs that create a stepped outline.  Low-relief decorative panels can be found at entrances, around windows, along roof edges or as string courses.   Distinctive smooth finish building materials such as stucco, concrete block, glazed brick or mosaic tile.   Art Deco style was seen as a rejection of historic precedents in its use of new construction technology, it was particularly suitable for the design of the 20th century’s newly emerging building form, the skyscraper.    Saarinen’s Chicago Tribune Building Design

Key Elements for Art Deco

Peter Behrens , Gasworks ,Frankfurt, 1911-12 Hans Poelzig, Chemical Factory , Luban , Germany ( Now Poland ), 1911

Peter Behrens , AEG Turbine Factory , Berlin , 1908-9

Walter Gropius And Adolf Meyer , Fagus Shoelast Factory (Faguswerk), Alfeld , 1911-12

Walter Gropius And Adolf Meyer, Werkbund Pavilion , Cologne, 1914 Front view showing glass stairs , Machine Hall and the Deutzer Gasmotoren Pavilion

Werkbund Pavilion , rear view showing Machine Hall and Deutzer Gasmotoren Pavilion

Werkbund Pavilion , plan

Bruno Taut , Steel Industry Pavilion , Leipzig, 1913

Bruno Taut , Glass Pavilion , Cologne, 1914.

Antonio Sant’ Elia, La Citta Nuova, Central railway station and Airport Musei Civci, Como Antonio Sant’ Elia , La Citta Nuova , Power station , 1913. Musei Civici , Como

Art Deco style may be found in a variety of building types from tall urban skyscrapers to smaller scale buildings, such as post offices, theaters, schools, armories, and apartment buildings. Antonio Sant’ Elia, La Citta Nuova , Casa a Gradinate , 1914. Ink and pencil on paper. Musei Civici, Como