Is Art Deco the future?

Happy Friday,

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 took root at The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, in Paris (1925)

Designers and architects showcased works, isolating themselves from the organic curves of Art Nouveau and going for more bold geometry and symmetry.

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 as "le style moderne" or "Jazz Moderne."

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

Art? even Trains? maybe Skyscrapers?

Definitely skyscrapers. They rose during the 1920s and 30s — and on an industrial scale.

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

It’s iconic not just because it was once the tallest building in the world but because of the the imagery you see dotted around the outside.

On the 31st floor, you’ll find gargoyles, symbolizing the great automotive age. And on the 61st floor, you can see the head of an eagle, modelled after Chrysler's car hood ornaments.

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If the Chrysler Building wasn’t magnificent enough, a year later the Empire State Building was constructed.

It took just 410 days and became the world's first 100-story building.

Looking inside, the interior is arguably just as impressive when it comes to showing of what Art Deco was really about. Its lobby, especially. Gleaming with marble, brass and a stunning mural, by Hildreth Meière.

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

One of the best examples is in France, where the style originated. Here is the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, in Paris (1913).

What about this?

It's also Art Deco but now with a hint of Neo-Byzantine elements — a mixture you don't often see.

And today, we have new (and old) Art Deco projects all across the world. From a train station in Italy to a public garden in Morocco, and even an aquarium from India.

But there's another side to the story: Art Deco 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. It even had dining cars, which reflected the Art Deco ethos through symmetrical patterns, chrome accents and even custom tableware.

But what many people don’t know is that Art Deco drew inspiration from ancient civilizations.

The 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb had a profound influence. Egyptian flowers, insects, and the pyramids began appearing in everything from jewelry to skyscrapers.

Similarly, some incorporated elements from Aztec and Mayan art. The stepped pyramids and intricate reliefs of these cultures were seamlessly integrated into modern structures. Such as the Los Angeles Central Library, in California (1925)

Unfortunately, by the late 1930s, New architectural styles like International Modernism took hold.

The economic impact of the Great Depression and the advent of WW2 shifted priorities toward functionality and simplicity. Marking the end of Art Deco or so we thought...

That brings us to today.

This is what the we expect JP Morgan's brand new HQ, in New York City to look like. A 60-story Art Deco skyscraper set to finish later this year.

Today, most of what we see around us is built under the modernism: it's cheap, convenient and effective.

But the question is: Is Art Deco the perfect style to adapt to today's skyscraper age?

And is it worth spending just a bit more to get a glimpse of history in modern times?

Until Next Time,

World Scholar