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Art Modern (1935-1950)

History

Like Art Deco style, and sometimes combined with it, Art Modern was a part of the Modern movement and the rejection of historical styles. While the style is an economical one, popularized during the Great Depression, it was meant to represent the dynamic progress of the 20th century and was highlighted at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Its inspiration comes from the machine aesthetic of the period’s industrial design, especially that of the railway car, motorcar and steamship. Hence it is a very streamlined style, giving a sense of speed and motion.

Art Modern

Click on the characteristic buttons below or on the building to explore the characteristics.

A flat-roofed structure with a rounded corner
Asymmetrical Rounded corners Flat Roof Wraparound window Decorative bands Low-relief

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical / asymmetry

asymmetrical massing

a composition that is off-balance with respect to a point of reference, such as an imaginary centre-line, as it is drawn through the plan of a façade

Styles with this characteristic

Buildings with this characteristic

Rounded corners

Rounded corners

the buildings are noted for flat roofs and rounded corners

Flat Roof

Flat roof

flat roof

The slope of a roof aids in emphasizing the proportions of the mass. A flat roof  is almost level in contrast to sloped roofs and tends to emphasize horizontal aspects.

Styles with this characteristic

Buildings with this characteristic

Wraparound window

Wraparound window

a strong focus is often placed on a large wraparound window

Decorative bands

Decorative bands

speed and moment are suggested with horizontal rows of windows or decorative bands

Low-relief

Relief

Relief / Moulding

a sculptural ornamental design slightly raised from or recessed from the surface

Styles with this characteristic

Buildings with this characteristic

Characteristics

  • usually asymmetrical, the buildings are noted for flat roofs and rounded corners
  • a strong focus is often placed on a large wraparound window
  • wall finishes are usually smooth with minimal decoration
  • speed and moment are suggested with horizontal rows of windows or decorative bands
  • if decoration is used, it is usually limited to carved panels by doors or windows or bands with low-relief carving
  • the modernity of the style is stressed by the new materials: glass blocks for windows and aluminium or stainless steel trim for windows, doors and railings