Deco

In 1895, Frank Julian Sprague successfully designed the first practical electric motor, which finally allowed for affordable mass-scale adoption of electric traction systems, also applied in elevators and streetcars. This invention played a crucial role in the widespread adoption of electric power in homes and businesses and demonstrated the transformative potential of electrical engineering.

Art Deco, characterized by richly decorated geometric patterns, was first shown internationally in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. This style quickly took hold, influencing architecture, interior design, fashion, and art worldwide. The exposition was a grand showcase of this artistic movement, setting the stage for its global impact.

Radio City Music Hall, located in the historic Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, opened in 1927 and is renowned for its opulent Art Deco architecture and interior design. Built by the renowned design firm Associated Architects, it remains one of New York's top attractions, both for its historical significance and its stunning Deco style, showcasing an iconic example of this artistic era.

Construction of the Chrysler Building, one of the most iconic Art Deco skyscrapers, began in 1929 and completed in 1930. It was designed by architect William Van Alen and features unique terraced crowns and ornamental hubcaps, a tribute to the automotive industry. This building still stands as a symbol of innovation and Art Deco's architectural legacy in New York City.

The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, became a quintessential example of Art Deco architecture. Designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates, the skyscraper stands as an enduring symbol of New York City. Its sleek design, characterized by vertical lines and a striking facade, highlights the elegance and modernity of Art Deco's influence on engineering and urban design.

The completion of Christ the Redeemer in 1932 signified a monumental achievement in Art Deco architecture. This iconic statue, standing atop the Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is both a cultural symbol and a masterpiece of engineering. Designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, it remains one of the world's most recognizable Art Deco works.

The Golden Gate Bridge, an engineering marvel completed in 1933, is adorned with elements of Art Deco design. Although celebrated primarily for its engineering and structural achievements, the bridge incorporates Deco motifs such as geometric railings and pylons, which enhance its aesthetic appeal, making it a unique landmark in San Francisco's architectural heritage.

The 1934 World's Fair in Chicago, also known as the Century of Progress Exposition, celebrated technological innovation and architecture, prominently featuring Art Deco design. The fair included the Sky Ride, a stunning Deco-styled aerial tramway, and the Hall of Science. The expo showcased the optimism and forward-thinking approach encapsulated in the Art Deco style of the time.

The RMS Queen Mary, launched in 1940, is an ocean liner that represents the height of Art Deco design on water. Featuring lavish interiors with a luxurious blend of stylistic elements, the ship embodied the optimism and elegance of the era, becoming a notable example of maritime Art Deco. Today, it stands as a historic hotel and museum in Long Beach, California.

In 1984, Miami Beach's Art Deco District was officially designated a historic district to protect its architectural heritage. This area, noted for its vibrant array of over 800 Art Deco structures built between the 1920s and 1940s, showcases a unique blend of tropical pastels, nautical elements, and sleek geometric shapes, making it the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.