The Art Deco architectural style emerged in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. It derived its style and characteristics from the style of visual art of the same name. The Art Deco architecture style is characterized by sleek, geometric forms, bold colors, and luxurious materials. Also, it is known for streamlined designs, verticality, and the use of geometric patterns. The culture of Egypt and the Aztecs often inspires the Art Deco architectural style. The style travelled to all the parts of the world at different times with different people. The Art Deco architectural style has its influence on the Indian buildings too. For example, the buildings in Mumbai have captured the style with their nautical features and vibrant colors. Let us look into the style to know its characteristics and distinct features in a building and Indian architecture.
In Indian architecture, the building that has modern and old features combined with the cultural influence of the elements and their historical significance is the Art Deco architectural style. Furthermore,iIt developed more during the 1930s and 1940s.
The Art Deco architectural style emerged from the Art Deco movement in the 1920s and 1930s. It became so prolific that it started defining the skyline of the cities. The Art Deco architectural style is known for its verticality and height. Originating in France before spreading worldwide, Art Deco architecture became a celebration of progress, using geometric forms, lavish materials, and bold ornamentation to embody the optimism of its time.
The development of the Art Deco architecture was influenced by both the festive social atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties, combined with periodic technical achievements. It is believed that the Art Deco architectural style is a sophisticated, modern design style that combines the elements of luxury, geometric precision, as well as technological innovation. It was influenced by a mix of modernism, avant-garde movements, exotic cultural imagery, and the optimistic, lavish spirit of the 1920s and 1930s.
The Art Deco style architectural buildings are significant due to the use of geometry and even symmetry of the elements used for their construction. Moreover, there is a symmetry between the windows, doors, and decorative elements.
Every style has its special feature that will always be present in every building with it. The Art Deco architectural style had a distinct characteristic of emphasizing heights, which is often shown by having windows symmetrically on the facades.
The time of the Art Deco architectural style was such that it took inspiration from the art movements happening around, and those sleek designs that had straight and sharp lines. This style has high buildings that are straight and that are visually very dynamic.
One more characteristic is the use of deep red, black, dark yellow, or mustard colors in the buildings. There are other materials, such as wood, metal, steel, and glass, that are used for the decorations of the buildings, which make them luxurious.
The buildings have decorations over the facades or on the windows and doors that depict the Art Deco architectural style. Also, the carvings on the roof bands and door outlines are considered ornamentations.
The Art Deco architectural style also has a use of new materials in the buildings. For example, alloys and more rust-proof metals are used on the building exteriors. Additionally, use of such materials always makes the building different and distinct.
As such an influential architectural style, the Art Deco style was also seen evolving in Indian architecture and its buildings. Looking at such examples of the buildings that were built in India during those times, we can better understand the skylines of the cities through this style.
Located in Mumbai at the intersection of Marine Drive and Church Gate is this famous building that has deep balconies, glass windows, and concrete columns over the facades. It is a high building with vertically aligned glass windows that define sit facades. As it is situated at the corner of the road, it has curved turrets and curved balconies that become its focal points.
The building is situated at the corner of the road and has a curved surface with sleek, simple lines of glass windows that are aligned vertically. It defines the Art Deco architectural style in very simple and minimal elements. Moreover, the building’s white color and the ornamentation at the top corners depict the simplicity in the style.
This building is a highlight in the area due to its intricate facade, which has detailed carvings and windows arranged vertically. Additionally, the building’s unique combination of beige and green highlights it.
The building has a dark brown color that strikes at first glance, along with its facades’ curvature. The form of the building is highly distinct as it shows a curve with the symmetry of the elements within it. The balconies are given a curved shape to align with the orientation. Furthermore, all the buildings are built pointing toward the center of the cluster.
The pool is a combination of Art Deco and traditional elements. Most strikingly, it has a bold blue color that is the highlight of the design. It makes the pool look luxurious and very bright, full of life. It resembles modern living and also the historical influence of the Art Deco style.
The building can be said to be modern as well as historical. As the high façade and sleek straight lines develop the symmetry over the façade. While the color and the character of the ornaments show their historical significance to the city. Hence, this standing building is a good example of modern Art Deco architectural style.
Talking about the Art Deco architectural style, it started in France during World War I, leaving its impact on every part of the world. In India, it largely emerged in Mumbai during those times. Hence, there are a lot many buildings in the city that influence the Art Deco architectural style. The Art Deco architectural style has a combination of history and culture along with the modern principles of design. The style cherishes the ornamentation and décor in the building by keeping the symmetry and geometry aligned. It is certain that the Art Deco architectural style, along with being luxurious, follows the discipline of design. Hence, it is still used in modern-day architecture practices in the interiors as well as exteriors.
Thus, the Art Deco architectural style has its significance around the world till today, which gives designers various opportunities while designing. Looking at its characteristics, one can imply that with the current design principles and make the design historical yet modern.
Content Writing and Research: Rajeshwari Pandya Modi
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