Art Deco

In between World War I and World War II, Art Deco was a style of design that began in France. Art Deco was a fashion oriented style, it included skyscraper furniture,  geometric patterns and the use of reflected material. Since this style of design was inspired by the Art Nouveau period it was often looked at very differently. An architect from the Art Deco period, Michel Roux-Spitz included many elements in his work that influenced the Art Deco movement. Art Deco design also can be characterized by its use of rich materials (ebony, zebrawood, tortoise-shell, leather, polished metals, mirrors, and glass). Many figures from the Art Nouveau Movement began to incorporate Art Deco style within their work. We see this with Jean Dunand who was a figure in the Art Nouveau Movement, he moved toward this new style of design and began to use geometric forms. We also see this transition with Maurice Dufrene who was also a figure in the Art Nouveau movement, he designed furniture, textiles, glass work, metal work, and complete interiors.

Throughout time Art Deco design moved more towards modern art. This can be contributed to Jean-Michel Frank. Another influential individual from Art Deco was Eileen Gray, she had a long career in France. She designed furniture that was highly original, ingenious, and had cubist characteristics. During the Art Deco style of design there was many influential individuals and many places adopted this style of design.

During the Art Deco style of design a study on how humans interact with devices and environments, started the Industrial Design. Industrial Design blended Art Deco characteristics with streamline design. Industrial Design focused on products for industry. Art Deco then moved into residential design we see this in kitchens and bathrooms.

I really like the Art Deco style and it was very enjoyable and exciting to be able to incorporate this style in an actually project in Human Factors last semester!

Current Applications!

Peer Discussion! 

I read Emily and Allison Blog. In Emilys' blog, I loved the connection she made with Art Nouveau especially with the video she posted. Her video was very informative and connected well with the discussion. I also read Allisons' blog and loved her images of her current applications especially the one of the bathroom.  

Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amVvYPU4Gw8