The Shift: Art Deco & Modernism
Art Deco Architecture & Modernism
In the 1920’s, post World War I, Art Deco, also called ‘style moderne’ architecture became a major style in France and the United States. This style of architecture was the new ‘modern’ and current fashion to style a building. The goal of Art Deco was to reflect the modern technology of the time (Tauranac). At first it was considered a luxury style because of the expensive materials that were used to build these types of structures. However, as the country approach the Great Depression the materials used for Art Deco began to decrease in value and cost.
At this time, in the construction world, people were arguing about who would build the tallest building and how they would do it (Lynn). William Lamb designed every inch of the Empire State Building and kept France’s Art Deco style in mind. Lamb employed the style of Art Deco in order to show his connection to the modern world and high fashion/style (Lynn). The Empire State building was built with the intention to show off the new style of modernism and to establish its existence in the United States (Lynn).
The Empire State building was built using Art Deco architecture and top 16 stories of the Empire State Building are called the ‘Art Deco Tower’. Art Deco architecture can be identified by clean geometric shapes (Cubism); they often look simple, yet give off a strong feel (Tauranac). This style is usually made with expensive materials like glass and natural materials like ivory, chrome, and rock crystals. These aspects allow this type of architecture to only be used by the elite, which was an important factor when the Empire State Building was being planned.
This represented how anxious people were to be fashionable, leading to the start of Modernism. A simple definition of Modernism is a style of art, architecture, or literature that uses ideas and methods which are very different from those used in the past. People were obsessed with the sleek design and look of buildings and cities (Lynn). The Empire State Building is one example of how Modernism gained popularity in all aspects of life in the United States. After the modernism movement people wanted their homes to be modern so they could stay up with the current fashions. Modernism has even been reflected in jewelry designs and home décor/art.
Art Deco went mostly out of style during World War ll, however in the late 1960’s it slowly started to come back into style. Then in the 21st century it took off once again, making the Empire State Building one of the most fashionable buildings in New York City.
Next you will read about how the Great Depression in the 1920's affected the Art Deco movement.
Fun Facts: The Empire State Building was the first building to have more than 100 floors. It is the second largest office building, the Pentagon being the first. To navigate these floors there are 64 elevators.
On top of the Empire State Building there is a thin tower and many people ask, “Was that tower built for any specific reason?” The thin tower is actually a broadcasting tower that was added in the 1950’s to transmit many television and radio stations (Tauranac). Additionally, on the 86th floor of the empire state building is an observation deck for the public to visit. The deck has been claimed to be one of the most popular outdoor observatories in the world.
Hello
