Art Deco: The Greatest Architectural Revolution of the Modern Age

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Art Deco was one of the greatest movements known to man. Emerging in the early 20th century, it married tradition with innovation, past with future, and craftsmanship with technology.

The result?

A style that shaped skylines and defined an era that we can never truly forget…

Art Deco’s origins lie in the aftermath of World War I, a period marked by both devastation and transformation. As nations recovered, a new spirit of optimism began to take root.

The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris (1925) was the defining moment for Art Deco. Designers and architects showcased works, isolating themselves from the organic curves of Art Nouveau and going for more bold geometry, symmetry, and modern materials instead.

At its core, Art Deco architecture is what really stood out — it was a celebration of progress. It reflected the speed of the machine age, the elegance of modern craftsmanship, and the desire for beauty in a rapidly changing world. Hence, it was originally known as "le style moderne" or "Jazz Moderne."

So what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Art Deco?

That’s right: Skyscrapers. They were marvels of engineering that rose during the 1920s and 30s — nothing like what we had ever seen before. And what could be better than the Chrysler Building?

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Designed by William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building in New York is arguably the most famous Art Deco skyscraper.

Its stainless-steel crown features a series of radiating arches that shimmer in the sunlight, creating a sense of dynamism. Unbeknownst to some, gargoyles (on the 61st floor) and eagles (on the 31st floor) occupy its upper levels, reflecting the era’s fascination with the machine age.

If the Chrysler Building wasn’t ornate enough, a year later the Empire State Building was constructed in just 410 days and was the first 100-story building in the world. Its limestone facade and soaring setbacks epitomized the vertical emphasis of Art Deco.

Its lobby is a treasure in itself, gleaming with marble, brass, and a huge (stunning) mural ceiling, which was a work of artist, Hildreth Meière.

Stainless steel and (sometimes) aluminum were prominent, especially in skyscrapers and public buildings. Their reflective surfaces added to the sense of progress and innovation. Meanwhile, decorative materials like marble, lacquer, and exotic woods lent a sense of opulence.

But Art Deco wasn’t just limited to New York’s skyline — around the world, architects adapted the style to local culture.

One of the best examples is in France, where the style originated. Here is the Théâtre des. Opened in 1913, it combines the simplicity of classical proportions with Art Deco’s characteristic geometric motifs.

As you can see, it has a marvelous Italian interior. (Notice the incredible detail of its cupola paintings.)

Art Deco also brought to light a new era for public life. Here’s The Mercury, a gleaming marvel of engineering introduced by the New York Central Railroad in 1936.

Its core principles were: speed, luxury, and modernity. Every detail — inside and out — embodied streamlined elegance. Its exterior featured a sleek, silver-aluminum shell with flowing lines that made it seem as if the train was moving even when stationary.

Inside, passengers were immersed in a world of geometric precision and refined comfort. It even had dining cars, which reflected the Art Deco ethos through symmetrical patterns, chrome accents and (yes, you heard me right) custom tableware.

But what many people don’t know is that Art Deco drew inspiration from ancient civilizations, reinterpreting their motifs in ways that felt fresh and modern.

The 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb had a profound influence on Art Deco. Egyptian motifs — lotus flowers, insects, and the iconic zigzag of pyramids — began appearing in everything from jewelry to skyscrapers.

The stepped forms of ziggurats also became a recurring architectural feature, symbolizing ascent and progress.

Similarly, Art Deco incorporated elements from Aztec and Mayan art, particularly in regions like North and South America. The stepped pyramids and intricate reliefs of these ancient cultures were seamlessly integrated into modern structures, such as the Los Angeles Public Library.

Unfortunately, by the late 1930s, Art Deco began to fade as new architectural styles like International Modernism took hold. The economic impact of the Great Depression and the advent of World War II shifted priorities toward functionality and austerity.

The lavishness of Art Deco was seen as excessive in an era that demanded simplicity.

Yet, the spirit of Art Deco never truly disappeared as what was possibly the greatest movement of modern history.

Timeless, elegant, and always reaching for the future.

Until Next Time,

World Scholar