Art Deco is characterized by geometric designs, bold colors and exotic motifs. The Art Deco movement gained popularity from 1920 until 1939.  Read more about Art Deco Architecture...

Art Deco architecture is a label applied to buildings that in their day were considered modern. There were many definitions and ideas about what modern should look like and these differing interpretations of modern can be seen in the architectural masterpieces of the time.

There are many examples of Art Deco architecture in the United sates.  Buildings such as the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building are Art Deco in style and construction.  The Golden Gate Bridge is an excellect example of an Art Deco structure that has inspired many and become a symbol for its city, San Fransisco and for the country.. The Art Deco movement heavily influenced many architects and was the foundation for some extraordinary architectural achievements.

In the industrialized world, the early years of the twentieth century and the beginning of the Art Deco movement were filled with promise, fueled by prosperity, and driven by technology. A new age demanded new architecture. The Art Deco movement incorporated and expanded upon other movements in architecture and art; including Constructivism, Cubism, Modernism, Bauhaus, Art Nouveau, and Futurism. Its popularity peaked during the Roaring Twenties. Although many design movements have political or philosophical roots or intentions, Art Deco was purely decorative. At the time, this style was seen as elegant, functional, and ultra modern.

The Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Modernes (Paris, 1925) was the first opportunity for many people to see and learn about the Art Deco movement and set the stylistic tone of early Art Deco.  It inspired buildings based on earlier neo-classical styles but with the application of exotic motifs such as flora and fauna, fountains and chevrons, typically arranged in geometric patterns.  Art Deco has been descirbed as luxurious, elegant and dramatic while still being accessible to ordinary people.