The Art Deco period began because of tension between functionalists and decorators. Functionalists valued function, simplicity, mass production and designing for the common person and social good whereas decorators valued labor intensive craftsmanship, elite market and did not have a concern with social theory. France was the point of origin. Fashion oriented style, and everything was strongly decorative. This period was influenced by Art Nouveau. The public acceptance was often hesitant. The essance of Art Deco design was on chevron shapes, zig-zags, large mirrors, and folding screens. Also, lighting fixtures called the attention to modern materials. The stepped profile of furniture suggest the architecture of skyscrapers. Furniture design was made of rich materials such as ebony, tortoise-shell, leather, polished metals, mirrors and glass.

One architect of this period was Michel Roux-Spitz. He was a French architect and the chief architect of Civil Buildings. His style was highly decorative. He also had a fashion oriented style that was not concerned with functionalism. His design patterns were influenced by cubism and African tribal art. The furniture profiles were stair stepped showing the popularity of the skyscraper.

Another designer that stood out to me was Eileen Gray. She focused on luxury and geometric lines. She studied and applied lacquered technique to furniture, and her furniture was mass produced. Interiors featured furniture covered with simple materials, sparse with the focus on tribal artwork. Eileen was the designer of the Bibendum arm chair, transat chair, smoking table and Art Deco Screen To the right are pictures of her famous chair and table.

Paul Frankl was a designer in the United States. He was an Austrian immigrant that was an architect and furniture maker. He extensively used the skyscraper profile in his furniture. He introduced the use of plywood instead of solid wood. He also introduced the use of rattan and bamboo in furniture design.

Something interesting about this period was the invention of the Radio. It helped carry Art Deco into every American home. Cabinets and consoles model radio receivers. They were made out of wood, slick and curving forms and no longer historically based. Black and chrome hinted at new technology.

Here are pictures of the interior of an Art Deco style interior compared to recent applications of the Art Deco style in a residential setting.

CURRENT APPLICATIONS

EXTRA CREDIT:

http://videos.hgtv.com/video/art-deco-style-0156888

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amVvYPU4Gw8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4-0q3rgZVg

PEER REVIEW:

Kendra: I like the images that you selected to show the Art Deco style from the 1900's compared to the Art Deco style today. My favorite picture is the one of the bathroom. You can really see the elements that bring out the Art Deco style such as the patterns and design on the floor.

Alexandra: I really enjoyed reading your blog because you looked at Art Deco and how it is seen throughout Chicago. It was interesting to read because the Merchandise Mart is one example of the Art Deco style in Chicago and we have been there. I never would have known until studying this design period. It is interesting to see the buildings and interiors that are incorporated with this style.