My Art Deco Connection

By Deane Barker • • tags: architecture, me •

I have always loved Art Deco, and there might be a weird reason why.

In this post, the author shares a personal journey exploring a connection to Art Deco, highlighting its influence on design and architecture. The narrative intertwines memories of specific Art Deco structures, discusses the style’s historical significance, and reflects on its emotional impact, illustrating how the aesthetics of the era resonate with the author’s experiences and appreciation for visual artistry.

Generated by Azure AI on June 24, 2024

I have always loved Art Deco architecture. I don’t why, but I’ve always had a very emotional response to it – the buildings on South Beach, the Chrysler Building, the city hall of our own Sioux Falls, etc.

I just stumbled on this NY Times article about the city I lived in until I was six – Napier, New Zealand. Apparently there was an earthquake there in 1931 that about leveled the town. It was completely rebuilt in the 1930s…in Art Deco style (given the decade, it make sense). In fact, Napier calls itself “the Art Deco city.”

This has me wondering if there’s any connection between the apparently prevalent architectural style of my home town, and the fact that I’ve been drawn to Art Deco my entire life.

(Image courtesy of the Napier City Council.)

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