Art Deco

Art Deco developed in Paris, France in the 1920’s and 1930’s. They’re designs shuffled from soft curves to angular forms, fluid forms to a strict symmetrical style. This era was Vienna-Secession inspired and they contributed a tight and simplified version of the Art Nouveau design movement. Art Deco style was utilized a lot on buildings. Art Deco was a universal and a decorative style rather than a design movement. Before this era, this short-lived style had already came in some work of an Italian Designer named Carlo Bugatti, Wiener Werkstatte and Russian Constructivists. Art Deco was influenced from Surrealism, Constructivism, Futurism, Neo-Classicism, Tribal Art, geometric abstraction, Modern Movement, Egyptian civilization and tribal art. It took shape after an exhibition which was held in Paris in 1925: 'Exposition Internationale Des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes'. 

This exhibition included work from many Art Deco designers. Le Corbusier, from the International Style/Modern Movement was also part of it. He exhibited 'Pavillion de l'Esprit Nouveau'. 

Pavillion de l'Esprit Nouveau - Le Corbusier

There was also Jaques-Emile Ruhlmann which was one of the leading interpreter, exhibited 'Hotel du Collectionneur'.

Hotel du Collectionneur - Jaques-Emile Ruhlmann

In this period, even modernists designers were sometimes inspired by Art Deco. It was spread in many countries such as France, Continental Europe, Britain and United States and gained popularity in the 1930's.

American Art Deco designers included: Paul Frankl

Skyscraper furniture - Paul Frankl 

Also William Van Alen's Chrysler Building, 

Chrysler Building - William Van Alen - 1928-'30, New York

Art Deco in Britain was mainly used for cinemas such as Odeon.

References: 

- Charlotte and Peter Fiell (2005) Art Deco. In: Design of the 20th Century: London, pp. 49.