The term Art Deco is used to describe stylistic changes that occurred to nearly every visual medium in the interwar years and for a number of years before and after. It covers "modern" approaches to architecture, fashion, art, graphics and film. The new aesthetics were also found in industrial design, furniture, transport, communications, and in household items. The style, which was universal, represents a move away from traditional values and was characterised by clean, geometric and elegant lines that replaced the excessive decoration of previous styles. It drew its inspiration from many cultures but is generally regarded as having its origins in pre-WWI Europe. Its introduction occurred concurrently with massive changes in technology that saw the introduction of new materials and manufacturing techniques that allowed goods and items to become available to the masses.

It remains popular around the world and is increasingly appreciated by new generations who are enchanted by its simplicity, style, design, superior materials and finishes.

The Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Arquitectura Histórica, or Historic Architecture Society of Puerto Rico, promotes the preservation, renovation and restoration of Art Deco & Modern buildings. We support reusing buildings instead of demolishing them. After all, the greenest brick is the one that’s already in the wall.

Art Déco's Identifying Characteristics

Eyebrows:
Cantilevered Window Shades Included In The Buildings Structure. Eyebrows Look Like A "Shelf" Placed Above A Window. Eyebrows Shade Direct Sunlight And Keep Interior Cool.

Ziggurat or Stepped Pediment:
Profiled Like A Staircase - Up Down, Up Down. Also Known As "Zig-Zag" Or "Lightning Bolt." Ziggurats Are Seen On The Roofline Of Buildings Recreating Egyptian Motifs.

Rounded Corners:
Technology Allowed For Construction To Be Built With Rounded Corners. In The 1930' s And 1940's, The Design Of Airplanes, Ships, Trains, And Automobiles Influenced Architecture. Rounded Corners Made Buildings Appear Aerodynamic, Fast And Sleek.

Flat Roofs:
Art Deco Or Streamline Buildings Usually Have A Flat Roof Or Multi-Level Flat Roofs.

Threes:
In Art Deco, Everything Seems To Come In Threes. Three Windows, Or Three Bandings Or Three Eyebrows, Or Three Steps Up. Etc. This Is Probably Due To The Egyptian Influence Of The Pyramids or Just Good Design.

Banding Or Racing Stripes:
Horizontal Banding On The Facades Of Buildings, Which Can Be Incised Or Applied In Decorative Materials Such As Tile. Banding Usually Comes In Groups Of "threes". This Simplified Ornamentation Reinforces Aerodynamic Concepts Of Streamline Moderne. A Great Way To Accent The Architectural Elements Of An Art Deco Building Is To Paint The Banding In A Contrasting Color.

Columns:
Many Art Deco Buildings Feature Either Whole Columns, Which Stand Away From The Building Or Sliced Columns Attached To The Front Doorway Facade Acting As An Archway.

Glass Block:
Cool, Translucent Squares Of Glass Used Instead Of Brick. Allows For Light Penetration. Glass Block Easily Creates A Ziggurat "Step" Design. Glass Block Has Made A Tremendous Come-Back In Contemporary Design.

Other Elements Include: Etched Glass,  Relief, Porthole Windows, Neon, Terrazzo Flooring, Futuristic Images, Central Balance and Geometric Forms.