Weekly Architecture Fix, Vol. 11 | Art Deco
We’re still here for you, even while social distancing
Friends,
We hope you’re continuing to stay safe and healthy during this time, and keeping your spirits up!
This week’s Community Resources section calls attention to numerous timely films, interviews, articles and more. We encourage you to take in as much as possible.
For this week’s feature, we’re highlighting Art Deco, a style that extends beyond architecture. First exhibited in France, its name is short for Arts Décoratifs. Its influences are many – geometry, nature, ancient Egyptian and Central American art, ships, automobiles and more. The style combines a modern aesthetic with fine craftsmanship and rich materials. We hope you enjoy this glamorous step back in time.
Warm regards,
DAF Team
Denver Architecture Foundation Resources:
- A podcast about the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and Welton Street Cultural Historic District featuring Terry Nelson, Senior Special Collections & Community Resources Manager.
- Another lesson for kids on drawing plans, sections and elevations.
- Audio Tours teaser: A summary on the architecture of the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art.
- Ongoing: Take in the stunning photographs from our 2019 Y/OUR Denver Photo Exhibit, in partnership with the Colorado Photographic Arts Center. Read the accompanying Denver Post article by Ray Rinaldi – “One of Denver’s best photo exhibitions right now is totally free — and you can see it in your PJs” and share/discuss with friends and family!
Feature: Art Deco – Resources from the world wide web
“There was going to be no more poverty, no more ignorance, no more disease. Art Deco reflected that confidence, vigor and optimism by using symbols of progress, speed and power.” – Robert McGregor
Watch…
- Architectural Style: Art Deco & the Chrysler Building
- ‘Urban Giants’, A Short Documentary About Two Art Deco Towers at the Center of New York City Telecommunications
- Chicago Board of Trade Building: The Spirit of the Roaring 20s
- Art Deco Tour (Miami Beach)
- Art Deco Icons (in Britain; 4 episodes)
- Art Deco Trust documentary (Napier, New Zealand)
- Art Deco movies
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Listen…
- Washington and Baltimore Art Deco: A Design History of Neighboring Cities, presented by Richard Striner
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Read…
- Art Deco Architecture: Design, Decoration, and Detail from the Twenties and Thirties by Patricia Bayer
- American Art Deco: Architecture and Regionalism by Carla Breeze
- “5 of the Best Art Deco Buildings in Paris“
- “Eight architecture projects reviving art deco”
- “Spotlight: Raymond Hood“
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For Kids…
- Art Deco Patterns to Colour by Emily Bone
Community Resources
- From Dezeen, “Live interview with Ini Archibong and Chrissa Amuah as part of Virtual Design Festival” and “Stop working on spaces which disproportionately impact African Americans” says architectural designer Michael Ford
- A “Film as a Tool for Transformation“ documentary bundle from our colleagues at Denver Film. The bundle includes I Am Not Your Negro, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am and Whose Streets?.
- Talking About Race tools and guidance from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Broadcast schedule of a series of films and news specials focused on race in America, as well as a curated streaming playlist of programs that explore the impact of racism on Black Americans and our country at large, via Rocky Mountain PBS
- FRONTLINE‘s “Policing the Police” via Rocky Mountain PBS
- From The New York Times, These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids
Image by Kevin J. Beaty
