6 hotspots where art deco still dazzles, from London to Shanghai
Opened in Paris 100 years ago this month, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs introduced the world to a bold design movement defined by sleek lines, geometric patterns and a streamlined symmetry.
Advertisement
Art deco would leave its mark on a wide array of design, influencing everything from skyscrapers to cinemas, even finding its way into London's Tube stations. Dubbed the 'first international style', it blended glamour with modernity, shaping architecture from Miami to Manila.
As the centenary of art deco approaches, we spotlight six destinations where this timeless design still dazzles.
1. London, Britain
Brasserie Zédel features typical art deco tiled floors. Photo: @brasseriezedel/Instagram
London boasts some of the finest examples of interwar art deco architecture. In the heart of Westminster, the former Underground Electric Railways Company headquarters – now the London Transport Building – was completed in 1929. Designed to project modernity and efficiency, it perfectly represented the ambitions of the booming British capital. The Hoover Building, in Perivale, West London, completed in 1933 for the American vacuum cleaner company, also stands out with its symmetrical facade and bold colour scheme, making it a favourite among design enthusiasts.
For a taste of continental chic, Brasserie Zédel, near Piccadilly Circus, is a must visit. Hidden behind an unassuming entrance, the spacious dining room channels the spirit of 1930s Parisian brasseries. With its marble pillars and soft lighting, Zédel provides an escape into the style and sophistication of a bygone age and serves as a unique cultural time capsule.
2. Miami Beach, the US
Art Deco Weekend on Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, in January 2017. Photo: Shutterstock
This Florida resort city lays claim to the world's largest concentration of art deco architecture. Along Ocean Drive and its neighbouring streets, nearly 800 preserved buildings shimmer in pastel hues, creating one of the most recognisable streetscapes in the US. Following a destructive hurricane in 1926, the city was rebuilt and art deco creations flourished. The style, both glamorous and affordable, transformed the cityscape and would go on to serve as a cinematic backdrop to films such as
Scarface (1983) and The Birdcage (1996). The candy-coloured buildings also featured prominently in the television series Miami Vice.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTHK
2 days ago
- RTHK
'Beckham to be awarded knighthood by King Charles'
'Beckham to be awarded knighthood by King Charles' King Charles chats with David Beckham at the Chelsea Flower Show. Photo: AFP David Beckham will be awarded a knighthood by King Charles next week in recognition of his football career and his charity work, reports said on Friday. The former England football captain is set to be named in the King's Birthday Honours List, according to sources. Other sporting figures who have been awarded the title include Beckham's former manager at Manchester United, Alex Ferguson, and British tennis great Andy Murray. The Sun newspaper said he would take the title of "Sir" and his wife, Victoria, a former member of the Spice Girls pop group, will be known as Lady Beckham. Beckham played 115 times for England as well as for a list of high-profile clubs, including United and Real Madrid. He is currently the president and co-owner of the US team Inter Miami and co-owner of Salford City, who play in the fourth tier of English football. The 50-year-old, who has long been in the running for a knighthood, was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2003 – a lower award in Britain's honours system. Victoria later received the same award for services to the fashion industry. David Beckham was last month named in Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential leaders in philanthropy. He is an official ambassador for The King's Foundation, supporting its education programmes and "efforts to ensure young people have a greater understanding of nature" and has been a Unicef goodwill ambassador since 2005. (AFP)
RTHK
4 days ago
- RTHK
Gauff, Boisson win through at French Open
Gauff, Boisson win through at French Open Coco Gauff celebrates after she beats Madison Keys in the French Open quarterfinal. Photo: Reuters Coco Gauff battled back from a set down to beat Australian Open champion Madison Keys in an error-strewn French Open quarterfinal on Wednesday. That set up a semifinal showdown with France's 361st-ranked Lois Boisson. The second seed Gauff battled past her fellow American 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-1 in a tense last-eight clash littered with a whopping 14 double-faults and 101 unforced errors. "It means a lot, especially getting through this tough match today, it wasn't an easy match and I'm very happy to get through it," Gauff said. "I'm so excited to be in the semifinals back here again and have a lot more work to do. Just savour this one today and then next one tomorrow." Keys came through a tense first set in a tie-break after blowing a 4-1 lead with a double-break, but Gauff upped her level enough to fight back. The 21-year-old was the runner-up to Iga Swiatek in a one-sided showpiece match in 2022. Keys had been hoping to challenge for a second consecutive Grand Slam title, but failed to reach the semifinals in Paris for a second time. Boisson, meanwhile, continued her dream run at Roland Garros, defeating world number six Mirra Andreeva to advance to the final four. Boisson won a thrilling battle 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 against Russian Andreeva. (AFP)
RTHK
5 days ago
- RTHK
'Amazing' Alcaraz cruises into French Open last four
'Amazing' Alcaraz cruises into French Open last four Alcaraz's victory sets up a final four showdown with Lorenzo Musetti. Photo: AFP Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz glided into the semi-finals of Roland Garros, blowing away American 12th seed Tommy Paul for the loss of just five games in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier. The Spaniard needed just one hour 34 minutes to dismantle former world number nine Paul 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 and set up a last-four meeting with Italy's Lorenzo Musetti. Musetti, seeded eighth, earlier beat Paul's compatriot and 15th seed Frances Tiafoe in four sets. It will be the third time Alcaraz and Musetti meet this clay-court season. Alcaraz has dominated that series, beating the Italian in the final in Monte Carlo before also stopping him in the last four on his way to the Rome title. And the 22-year-old's blistering performance under the lights on centre court in Paris will have many backing him to make it three from three against Musetti as he seeks to defend his title. "It was, I could close my eyes and everything went in, my feeling today was amazing. Today was one of those matches where everything went in, I'm just pleased with everything," said Alcaraz. Alcaraz fired 40 winners on his way to victory over Paul for just 22 unforced errors as he emphatically put inconsistent displays in the previous rounds behind him. "This kind of match is never easy," he said. "I've played Tommy many times and he's beat me twice." Despite previous success against Alcaraz, it took the 28-year-old American eight games to get on the scoreboard as his opponent raced out of the blocks, mixing powerful groundstrokes with perfectly-weighted drop-shots and lobs. Paul put up determined resistance in the third set but couldn't deny Alcaraz, who broke in the ninth game before holding to love for victory. "I know you wanted to watch more tennis," an apologetic Alcaraz told the crowd on centre court. "I have to say sorry for that. But I had to do my work." Paul has now lost his last four meetings with Alcaraz, including at the same venue last year in the last eight of the Olympic Games. (AFP)
