I wrote a post called Architecture in Real Estate some time back that did not get much attention from the Active Rain Community. But from there Dave Rosenmarkle suggested the idea of offering “a series of short blogs about types of architecture”. So thank you Dave, here is my first attempt at enlightening our AR friends, with a style that hits close to home, since we have the largest compilation of Art Deco Architecture worldwide, right here in The Historic Miami Beach Art Deco District. Hope you find this helpful and let me know if any of you would like to hear about other “styles”, and I promise that if I don’t know enough, I will not mind doing the research. Also please keep in mind that I am truly simplifying and hope not to do injustice to the historical period represented.
Modern Architects’ desire for a new language, together with the need to rebel against traditional architecture and excessive decoration, lead to the ART DECO movement, which not only is visible in architecture, but also fashion, art, graphics, furniture, transportation and even household items.
The style is mainly characterized by simple, clean, geometric lines. As Art Deco arrived in The United States, so did the images of sleek cars and trains. Angular shapes like zig-zags, and lightning-bolts became popular. Visible in Miami Beach, buildings were streamlined to look like ocean liners and a clear nautical theme can be discerned.
Some features to expect in Art Deco Architecture are: flat roofs, combinations of flat and curved walls, use of glass block, circular windows, steel frames, vertical emphasis, rectangular framing, horizontal articulation like eyebrows over windows and doors, low relief ornamentation around door and window openings, metal windows, metal railings, stucco walls with some plaster ornamentation (stylized and abstracted floral motifs and sunrise patterns), colored glazed bricks, mosaic tiles, and most of all SIMPLICITY!
How to you use this in real estate property descriptions: If you see any of the elements above, you can make mention of Art Deco influence. Please make sure you do not call a structure Art Deco if the roof is not flat. Also, if there are other non-Deco elements in the property, don’t be afraid to call the structure eclectic. I always look for the most striking elements first to make mention. Example: you may have a Non-descript home with a beautiful Art Deco Mantle or an exterior ornamental plaster grill. Take advantage of these elements to make homes sound like they have some kind of architectural significance, it may make the difference to the buyer.
Hmmmm........which style will I do next?
I think thats a great idea to blog and is great to use photos as you did along with the text. I will have to do one so I will have to pick a style and go for it. Eric
Good blog. In Southern California, there is a form of small, apartment complex called a DINGBAT. They were built in the 50s-60s, are flat roofed, have 6-12 units, street parking or street level carports attached, and have ornamental designs on them. They all have kitschy names like "Tiki Palms" or "La Costa".
Pics in the link.
I finance these a lot, so much that my buddy refers to me as the "King of the Dingbats"
And here all this time I thought Art Deco was a game show host!
Great blog, Ines. Excellent continuation of your previous start. Keep it going!
(they had lychee on Top Chef last night!)
Ines
Right on target! Great post! I don't know if you even have this style in Florida, but an architectural style that is much misunderstood and mis-named in the Northern VA market is Victorian.
Eric - Thanks for the comment, let me know when you do one
Brian - I remember studying something about dingbats in school. They are very misunderstood but so is the whole post-modern movement. Loved the photos, thanks for sharing...but love the nickname even more, talk about a niche "King of Dingbats"
Rich - I am glad you liked it, I was a little hesitant about posting it
Dave - I may tackle Victorian next, it is extremely misunderstood, so it will be a good style to expand on. Thanks again for the idea.
Bryant - next time you come to Miami, you need to take TLW to Joe's - (just make sure stonecrab is in season). Rick and I will gladly join you.
Marti, this network is about learning - thanks so much for introducing me to de Lempicka - I was not familiar with her art and will definitely look into it in detail.
ines
Oh BOY, Oh BOY oh BOY!!!! I love this article!!!
I love the depth of understanding, the graphics, the joy when amazing design and SIMPLICITY meet! Thanks for sharing Ines...
and Sharon...thank you for starting this Group!YAY!
Sharon and janeAnne, you guys are such great leaders - nothing like good encouragement to keep going with these. I thought I was boring people when I wrote them. Thank you guys!
I have enjoyed reading your blogs and have found them very informative.
Thank you,
Cyndy Sujarit
Prudential Commercial Real Estate
Cyndy - thanks for reviving this post and for the compliment - I hope to do a series of architectural styles for www.Miamism.com
Hey Sharon - I was on vacation and just got back to revisit this post - the original colors of Art Deco were greys and whites and when the whole Art Deco District in Miami Beach began the preservation process, color was added and now we tie the 2 together - it's funny how that happens, but I agree that color helps all the great elements stand out.
Carole - Miami has changed so much, and those buildings only look better - they have done such a great job of preserving them and their facades.
Sharon - you are too funny - a lot of my friends go with me on architectural tours just to get my take on the features....you should see them immitating me. : )