:: Streamline
and Depression Moderne (1930-1942)
b. Streamline Moderne, which depicted the laws of aerodynamics in architecture,
reflected the growth of speed and travel in the 1930s. Building forms
evoke automobiles, trains, ocean liners, and airplanes. Massing reflects
abstract, simplified forms with rounded corners devoid of much applied
decoration. Horizontal compositions, bands of windows, racing stripes,
and flat roofs are featured, as well as new materials such as vitrolite,
glass block, chrome, stainless steel, terrazzo, and neon. Features of
these buildings typical to the Miami area are "eyebrow" ledges
over the windows, front porches, nautical motifs like porthole windows,
and bas-relief panels depicting tropical scenes. Streamline Moderne buildings
commissioned by the Public Works Administration (Depression Moderne) reflect
a greater use of conservative and classical elements.
Examples:
Walgreen Drug Store
X-Ray Clinic
Alfred I. duPont Building
Miami Shipbuilding Corporation
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