The International Style
Another style of architecture that gained popularity beginning in the 1920's was the International Style. Its brand of modernity was based on designs emphasizing function and the exploitation of modern building techniques and materials, especially steel, reinforced concrete and glass.
The Meadow Gold Dairy (ABOVE),built around 1930, shows a lot of International Style influences. It is designed on a horizontal plan (practical for a dairy) and anchored by the verticality of the incinerator chimney. There is no surface ornamentation. A popular detail in International Style buildings is the "corner window" where glass meets glass. This is made possible through the use of structural steel. Large, flat, steel framed windows were also frequently used in buildings of this style. Note the influence of the Art Moderne in the horizontal emphasis and the use of round windows.
The Cary building, from 1945, is a modest but pure example of International Style architecture. Its use as a second story contractor's office with equipment storage below is readily reflected by the design, most notably the placement of windows on the first floor. The form is a simple block with a parapeted roof line to maintain an uncluttered appearance. The second story features a large steel framed window. Both the large window and the entrance feature "cantilevered" or counter-balanced steel framed awnings with no visual supports. Earlier architects would have provided decorative posts, but in International Style, structures such as these were considered unnecessary even ridiculous. Note the use of glass block to provide illumination where ventilation was not required. This is common in International Style structures.
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