Featured Article Summary #58

The Art Deco architecture of New York City was prominent in the 1920s and 1930s. It deviated from traditional architectural norms with features such as verticality, ornamentation, and the use of materials like metal and plastic. This style could be seen in government buildings, commercial projects, and residential structures throughout all five boroughs. The architectural trend was influenced by global decorative arts, the rise of mechanization, and the city's 1916 Zoning Resolution. During the Roaring Twenties, the booming economy led to a surge in construction, resulting in towering skyscrapers and more modest housing. However, the Great Depression and changing tastes led to a shift towards more subdued Art Deco designs in the 1930s. The style continued to be favored for infrastructure projects and middle-class apartments in the outer boroughs. World War II and the emergence of the International Style marked the decline of new Art Deco buildings in the city. Despite falling out of favor and experiencing neglect, New York's Art Deco architecture has been reevaluated and appreciated in recent years. Iconic examples include the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, both of which influenced modern construction. While some Art Deco buildings are protected by preservation laws, others have been lost to new development or neglect. American Art Deco architecture in New York City was influenced by European styles, including the style moderne popularized in Paris. The city's rapid transformation, booming population, and lax zoning regulations led to a building boom and the increase of office spaces. The city's first zoning code in 1916 affected the design of buildings, with setbacks becoming a key feature. Early buildings conforming to the new codes were unimaginative, but more creative interpretations followed, with buildings becoming sculptural forms rather than simple boxes. Transitional buildings like the American Radiator Building and Madison Belmont Building featured elements that would characterize Art Deco. The New York Telephone Company Building was one of the first Art Deco skyscrapers. The common elements of Art Deco architecture in New York City included setback laws resulting in sculptural buildings with long piers between windows and decorated spandrels. New materials such as plastics and steel alloys were used, along with multicolored terra cotta, limestone, and glass brick. The style emphasized sumptuous ornamentation, with dynamic elements at entrances and the tops of buildings. Art Deco became popular in the commercial sector, appealing to patrons who wanted a modern style that was not too shocking. The style was also seen in speculative buildings and corporate headquarters. Downtown Manhattan had a proliferation of Art Deco high-rises, while Midtown Manhattan was just starting to develop its skyline. The race for the tallest building led to competition between buildings such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the construction industry, but Rockefeller Center was still built with a focus on art and decorative features. The Great Depression ended the era of Art Deco skyscrapers, but Art Deco continued to be used in commercial buildings such as department stores and news offices. The rental market improved in the 1930s, leading to an increase in construction. Art Deco was also popular in movie theaters and hotels. Major Art Deco department stores included Tiffany & Co. and Bloomingdale's. The Waldorf Astoria and the Carlyle Hotel were notable Art Deco hotels in the city. During the Art Deco era, there was a significant increase in residential construction in New York City. This was driven by the city's growing population, as well as the desire to appeal to the middle-class and keep them in the city. Art Deco apartments were built across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, featuring geometric designs, colored brick, and other hallmarks of the architectural style. These buildings were designed to cater to the fashion-conscious middle class and help transform various neighborhoods in the city.