Characteristics of Art Deco Architecture

Geometric Shapes

• Art deco architecture was characterized by its extensive incorporation of geometric shapes in building structures. The art deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s coincided with the rise in popularity of skyscrapers, so many skyscrapers built during these decades are superb examples of the style. The Chrysler building, for example, was completed in New York City in 1930 and incorporates rectangles, squares, triangles and diamonds in true art deco fashion.

Aluminum and Stainless Steel

• Aluminum and steel were incorporated into architecture in new ways during art deco period. New techniques for refining and producing large amounts of steel and aluminum emerged in the early 20th century, and this refined steel was used to build the structures that marked the urbanization of the United States. The architects of the art deco movement played a role in transforming steel and aluminum from purely structural components to decorative materials.

Lines and Curves

• Art deco buildings were also characterized by their mixture of sharp lines and smooth, flowing curves. Streamlining, a process in which engineers constructed buildings, automobiles and even furniture in a smooth, seamless fashion, was popular during the art deco period. Many skyscrapers built during the art deco period, including the Guardian Building in Detroit, Michigan, and the Empire State Building in New York City, feature combinations of multidirectional, straight lines often topped with elaborately detailed, curved spires.

Historical Motifs

• Many art deco architects infused several historical motifs into their buildings. This tendency was largely due to the increase in world travel and archaeological endeavors that took place during that period. Greco-Roman fountains and columns regained popularity during this time. Architects also used Egyptian hieroglyphics, Aztec images and ancient African symbols in their designs.