Stepping Type of Art Deco Architecture
Art Deco architecture consists of three main types: zigzag, classic moderne and
streamline modern.
The first type to appear in America was zigzag (or stepping) and it is best understood
when looking at the skyscrapers of the 1920’s. Zigzag is used in Art Deco
architecture to make qualities of height more pronounced, and is an obvious
choice for towering structures. The typical shape of the skyscraper is that of a
wide base, that as the building grows taller, narrows gradually into a stepped
form until the tower extends into the sky at a consistent narrow width.
It is interesting to note, however, that the traditional stepped base of the
skyscraper was not only influenced by the pyramids of ancient civilizations, but
also by the New York City Zoning Ordinance in 1916. This Zoning Ordinance,
mandated setbacks for all urban buildings, which regulated the size of the
skyscraper as determined by the width of the street. The imposition of setbacks
eliminated claustrophobic conditions for the city as much as possible. If there
were no setbacks, the streets of New York City would be entrenched in shadows
and winds would have whistled down through the chasms created by the adjacent
buildings.
The skyscraper, the result of urban development, became a symbol of progress and
proclaimed America’s status as a world power. Reaching higher into the sky than
any building before, the skyscrapers were testaments to the development of
civilization and the start of a brave, new world.
Art Deco Architecture - Classic Moderne
Known as Classic Moderne, this type of Art Deco architecture is identifiable by
its graceful composition. Classic Moderne Art Deco architecture modifies
classical architectural forms and compared to other types of Art Deco
architecture, exterior and interior ornamentation is far less apparent. After
the stock market crash in 1929, President Roosevelt established federal funding
for public buildings. Thus, the Art Deco architecture constructed in this type
is closely associated with FDR’s New Deal. This type of Art Deco architecture
was well balanced in appearance.
Classic Moderne Art Deco architecture values
symmetry; typically these buildings were more sedate in form, usually
horizontally structured, except for the towers which were modeled after the
traditional forms of urban skyscrapers. The juxtaposition of the application of
the zigzag type and the relatively austere and sternness of the classical form
suggest a compromise between the old and the new, or the traditional and the
avant garde.
Classic Moderne architecture typically features a variety of distinguished
looking artwork and imagery rendered in a variety of mediums. Painted murals and
carved statueary were meant to convey through symbols the purpose of the
building and its position in the community.
Art Deco Architecture - Streamline Moderne
Streamline moderne is a type that appears to be the most modernistic of the
three Art Deco architectural types. Streamlined moderne is easily identified
through the styles clean, smooth lines which convey aerodynamic qualities. They
are typically box-like in appearance and have flat roofs; towers are rarely, if
ever employed. During the 1930’s, when classic moderne was prevalent,
streamlined moderne provided a relief from the heavier ornamental look of the
previous two styles of Art Deco architecture. Streamline moderne looked
thoroughly cutting edge with the use of glass bricks, speed stripes and
alternative windows, with some looking like the portholes of an ocean liner.
Presently, examples of streamline moderne Art Deco architecture can be viewed in
roadside diners and especially the collection of Art Deco buildings on Ocean
Drive in Miami.
It was throughout the late 1920’s and 1930’s that Miami rebuilt itself as a
major vacation destination after a devastating hurricane. The construction of
new Art Deco architecture revealed itself in about 400 new buildings clustered
on Ocean drive; and with the influence of the world famous Florida weather, a
sub-type of classic moderne emerged: tropical moderne. In what is now known as
Old Miami Beach, the liberal use of awnings over port hole windows, tropical
motifs such as seashells and waves, application of tropical pastel colors
brought the fantasy of a dream vacation to life. The makeover was successful in
the marketing of Miami Beach as the ultimate vacation destination where your
only worry was how quickly your martini lost its chill.
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