Art Moderne

In several of the styles which evolved in the early 20th century, we noted that designers were reacting to, and condemning the impersonal quality of mass-produced objects. By the 1920's and 1930's art styles developed which valued the speed, sleekness and geometry of machine-made items as well as the machines themselves. Architects designed buildings, borrowing ideas from the automobile and locomotives of the day.

Art Moderne buildings seek "sleekness" through the use of prominent horizontal designs and smooth even slick surfaces. Decoration includes horizontal lines, circles and ovals. Polished aluminum and stainless steel are used for contrast, and add to the "machine-like" quality. The Huntington Theater (ABOVE) facade of 1940 typifies the Art Moderne aesthetic. The surface is of slick glazed terra cotta in sharply contrasting colors of buff and deep red. The lower story of the building is in the deep red color to provide a strong horizontal line. Window openings are oval and trimmed in polished aluminum. The upper portion of the facade features circle and line designs.

An interesting mixture of Art Moderne and neo-classic is seen in the Bailey Mortuary (ca 1940.) Though the limestone details are based on a classic design they are flattened and almost reduced to outlines, leaving the building surface smooth. The building has a strong horizontal emphasis highlighted by the use of a contrasting band of limestone at the roof line. As with the Huntington Theater, the roof is hidden behind a parapet wall giving the building a long, low feeling. Two circular decorative elements appear in the upper portion of the central part of the facade.

SUMMARY

Art Moderne buildings found their inspiration in the streamlined machines produced in America's factories in the 20's and 30's.

Proceed to the International Style Exhibit.