1. How does modern architecture relate to history? Art Deco (Popular during the 1920’s and early 30’s)

2. Art Deco Style These were the buildings of the future: sleek, geometric, dramatic. With their cubic forms and zigzag designs, art deco buildings embraced the machine age. Like any style, it evolved from many sources, such as the Far East, ancient Greece and Rome, Africa, India, and Mayan and Aztec cultures; But most of all, Art Deco expressed excitement over a stunning archeological find in Egypt.

3. Art Deco- Where did it come from? In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter and his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, thrilled the world with their discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Soon a fascination for Ancient Egypt found expression in clothing, jewelry, furniture, graphic design and -- of course -- architecture.

4. Art Deco- How does King Tut relate modern-era architecture? Ancient Egyptian art told stories. Highly stylized icons had symbolic meanings. Art Deco architects often lavished their buildings with symbolic images.

5. Art Deco- The Chrysler Building New York's Chrysler Building was designed by William Van Alen. Briefly the world's tallest building, the skyscraper is adorned with eagle hood ornaments, hubcaps and abstract images of cars.

6. Art Deco in Miami, FL From skyscrapers and movie houses to gas stations and private homes, the idea of using icons in architecture became the height of fashion. Known for its Art Deco architecture, the streets of Miami, Florida are lined with buildings like the one shown here.

7. Art Deco in Miami, FL The Terra-cotta facing and the strong vertical bands are typical Art Deco features borrowed from antiquity. Other characteristics of the style include zigzag designs, echoing patterns and vivid colors that would delight the slumbering Egyptian king.

8. Art Deco- Style When Howard Carter opened the tomb of the ancient Egyptian king, Tutankhamen, the world was dazzled by the brilliance of the treasure. Vivid color, strong lines and undulating, repeating patterns are a trademark of Art Deco design, especially in the buildings of the 1930s. Some buildings are embellished with flowing waterfall effects. Others present colors in bold, geometric blocks.

9. Art Deco- How to spot it Art Deco design is about more than color and ornamental patterns. The very shape of these buildings expresses a fascination for orderly forms and primitive architecture. Sometimes two contrasting materials are used to create subtle bands of color, a strong sense of line, or the illusion of pillars. The logical progression of steps and the rhythmical repetition of shapes suggest ancient architecture, yet also celebrate a new, technological era.

10. Art Deco- Ancient and Modern at once The early Art Deco skyscrapers suggest Egyptian or Assyrian pyramids with terraced steps rising to the top. Skyscrapers built during the 1920s and early 1930s may not have the brilliant colors or zigzag designs we associate with the Art Deco style. However, these buildings often took on a distinctive Art Deco shape: The ziggurat. A ziggurat is a terraced pyramid with each story smaller than the one below it. Ancient ZigguratModern Ziggurat

11. Art Deco- The Empire State Building Built in 1931, the Empire State Building in New York City is an example of tiered, or stepped, design.

12. Art Deco - Conclusion Art Deco is an eclectic style -- a blending of influences from many cultures and historic periods. It's easy to overlook the Egyptian elements in the design of a theater or a streamlined diner. But the tomblike shape of twentieth century "ziggurats" make it clear that the world was in a tizzy over King Tut Text from about.com