Art Deco style architecture is a popular design style that emerged in the early 20th century and became prominent during the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by its geometric shapes, bold colors, and use of materials such as glass, steel, and concrete. In Australia, Art Deco style architecture was widely used in the design of buildings during the interwar period. This blog post will explore the main elements of Art Deco style architecture and provide three examples of well-known Australian buildings in this style.
Elements of Art Deco Style Architecture
Art Deco style architecture is a blend of different design styles, including cubism, futurism, and modernism. It is characterized by the following elements:
1. Geometric Shapes: Art Deco style architecture uses geometric shapes such as triangles, circles, and squares to create patterns and motifs. These shapes are often arranged in a symmetrical pattern, creating a sense of order and balance.
2. Bold Colors: The use of bold colors is a hallmark of Art Deco style architecture. Colors such as red, blue, and yellow are used to create contrast and emphasize the geometric shapes.
3. Materials: Art Deco style architecture uses a range of materials, including glass, steel, and concrete. These materials are used to create clean, streamlined designs that emphasize the geometry of the building.
4. Ornamentation: Art Deco style architecture often features elaborate ornamentation such as carved stone, metalwork, and murals. These elements add a sense of luxury and glamour to the building.
Examples of Art Deco Style Architecture in Australia
1. The Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne: The Manchester Unity Building is a 12-story building located in Melbourne. It was built in 1932 and is one of the most iconic examples of Art Deco style architecture in Australia. The building features geometric shapes, bold colors, and elaborate ornamentation, including a large statue of the building's namesake, the Manchester Unity Order.
2. The Grace Building, Sydney: The Grace Building is a 12-story building located in Sydney. It was built in 1930 and features a mix of Art Deco and Gothic Revival design elements. The building features a distinctive clock tower and elaborate metalwork on the facade.
3. The Regent Theatre, Melbourne: The Regent Theatre is a historic cinema located in Melbourne. It was built in 1929 and features a stunning Art Deco style interior. The theater features a grand staircase, marble columns, and elaborate plasterwork on the ceiling.
Conclusion
Art Deco style architecture is a unique and striking design style that emerged in the early 20th century. In Australia, this style was widely used during the interwar period and can be seen in many iconic buildings across the country. The use of geometric shapes, bold colors, and materials such as glass and steel create a clean, streamlined design that is both functional and beautiful. The examples of Art Deco style architecture provided in this blog post demonstrate the range and versatility of this design style, and showcase the unique beauty of Art Deco style buildings in Australia.
Is this your design aesthetic? Not sure? Other design styles include:
French
Art Deco
Mid Century
Modern Classic
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