Art Deco

Art Deco is used to describe more than art, furniture, and clothing; it often applied to a certain style of architecture. The Art Deco architecture usually incorporates zigzag designs in a geometric shape. They are usually dramatic and sleek and were styled to be the buildings of the future.

Features

 * Cubic forms
 * Ziggurat shapes: Terraced pyramid with each story smaller than the one below it
 * Complex groupings of rectangles or trapezoids
 * Bands of color
 * Zigzag designs
 * Strong sense of line
 * Illusion of pillars

History
Art Deco architecture emerged in the 1920s and remained popular until the end of World War II. The Art Deco movement was present in fine arts, graphic design, clothing, and architecture. Art Deco architecture was a combination of several different styles and was supposed to represent futuristic design. Art Deco borrowed some features from the environment and other aspects of the Art Deco movement. Sunburst were commonly found in Art Deco buildings, as were designs that mirrored the style of a automotives. It was not unusual to see portions of a building that resembled a car's grill, gears, or even wheels. This style was made to be purely decorative.

Art Deco architecture was at its height in popularity in the "Roaring Twenties" in Europe but did not see a rise in recognition in the United States until the early 1930s. In the late 1930s, Art Deco became more simplified, removing more ostentatious accessories. In the 1940s, regardless of the country, Art Deco saw a massive decrease in popularity. In the 1980s, graphic design saw a rebirth of Art Deco, which led to the creation of Pop Art and other more popular styles.

Architects
Notable architects associated with this style include:
 * William Van Alen
 * Raymond Hood