8.4 Streamline Moderne

Streamline Moderne emerged in the 1930s as a sleek, aerodynamic offshoot of Art Deco. This style embraced curved forms, horizontal lines, and smooth surfaces, reflecting the era's fascination with speed and efficiency.

Inspired by transportation design, Streamline Moderne buildings featured rounded corners, flat roofs, and nautical elements like portholes. The style's popularity during the Great Depression stemmed from its use of affordable materials and emphasis on simplicity.

Key characteristics of Streamline Moderne

• Streamline Moderne is a late Art Deco architectural style that emerged in the 1930s, characterized by sleek, aerodynamic curves and horizontal lines inspired by transportation and industrial design
• The style aimed to convey a sense of speed, efficiency, and modernity through its fluid, streamlined forms and machine-like aesthetics

Curved forms and horizontal lines

Top images from around the web for Curved forms and horizontal lines

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Curved forms and horizontal lines

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Streamline Moderne - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Streamline Moderne buildings feature smooth, rounded corners and edges, creating a continuous, flowing appearance
• Horizontal lines are emphasized through the use of long, uninterrupted balconies, window bands, and other linear elements
• These design choices create a sense of movement and speed, echoing the aerodynamic shapes of airplanes, trains, and automobiles

Smooth surfaces of stucco or concrete

• Exterior walls are typically finished with smooth stucco or concrete, creating a seamless, monolithic appearance
• The use of these materials allows for the creation of curved and rounded forms, as well as the incorporation of horizontal grooves or lines
• Smooth surfaces also contribute to the streamlined, machine-like aesthetic of the style

Flat roofs with coping or parapets

• Streamline Moderne buildings often feature flat roofs with coping (a protective cap or covering) or parapets (low walls along the edge of the roof)
• Flat roofs emphasize the horizontal lines of the building and contribute to its streamlined appearance
• Coping and parapets may be used to conceal rooftop mechanical equipment or to create a clean, uninterrupted roofline

Horizontal grooves or lines in walls

• Decorative horizontal grooves, lines, or bands are often incorporated into the exterior walls of Streamline Moderne buildings
• These linear elements further emphasize the horizontal orientation of the style and create a sense of movement and speed
• Horizontal grooves or lines may be achieved through the use of different materials, colors, or textures, or through the application of raised or recessed bands in the stucco or concrete

Asymmetry and irregularity of form

• While Streamline Moderne buildings often feature balanced and symmetrical facades, asymmetry and irregularity of form are also common
• Asymmetrical compositions may include offset entrances, uneven window placement, or the incorporation of curved or angled elements
• This asymmetry adds visual interest and dynamism to the overall design, while still maintaining the streamlined aesthetic

Subdued colors in favor of whites and beiges

• Streamline Moderne buildings typically feature a subdued color palette, with a preference for white, off-white, beige, and light pastel hues
• The use of light colors enhances the smooth, seamless appearance of the exterior surfaces and creates a sense of lightness and airiness
• Occasional accents of darker colors or materials, such as black glass or stainless steel, may be used to highlight specific features or to create contrast

Occasional nautical elements like portholes

• Some Streamline Moderne buildings incorporate nautical elements, such as porthole windows or ship-like railings, as a nod to the style's inspiration from transportation design
• Portholes, circular windows reminiscent of those found on ships, may be used to add visual interest and to reinforce the streamlined, machine-like aesthetic
• The inclusion of nautical elements reflects the fascination with speed, travel, and modern technology that characterized the era

Origins and development of Streamline Moderne

• Streamline Moderne emerged as a distinct architectural style in the 1930s, evolving from the earlier Art Deco movement and reflecting the cultural and technological context of the time
• The style developed in response to the Great Depression, as architects sought to create a more subdued and economical version of Art Deco that still conveyed a sense of progress and modernity

Emergence in 1930s as reaction to Art Deco

• Streamline Moderne began to emerge in the early 1930s as a reaction to the more ornate and decorative Art Deco style of the 1920s
• The economic challenges of the Great Depression led architects to seek a more restrained and functional aesthetic that could be achieved with less expensive materials and construction methods
• Streamline Moderne stripped away much of the ornamental excess of Art Deco, focusing instead on clean lines, smooth surfaces, and aerodynamic forms

Influence of aerodynamic and industrial design

• The Streamline Moderne style drew heavily from the aerodynamic and industrial design principles of the time, particularly those applied to transportation vehicles like airplanes, trains, and automobiles
• Architects and designers sought to create buildings that embodied the same sense of speed, efficiency, and technological progress as these modern machines
• The curved forms, horizontal lines, and smooth surfaces of Streamline Moderne architecture reflect the streamlined shapes of vehicles designed to minimize wind resistance and maximize speed

Relationship to transportation and speed

• Streamline Moderne's emphasis on aerodynamic forms and horizontal lines was closely tied to the era's fascination with transportation and speed
• The 1930s saw significant advancements in aviation, rail travel, and automotive design, with streamlined vehicles becoming symbols of progress and modernity
• Architects and designers sought to capture this zeitgeist in their buildings, creating structures that appeared to be in motion and that celebrated the machine age

Popularity in US during Great Depression and WWII

• Streamline Moderne gained widespread popularity in the United States during the Great Depression and World War II
• The style's emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and affordable materials made it well-suited to the economic challenges of the time
• Many public works projects, such as post offices, schools, and government buildings, were constructed in the Streamline Moderne style as part of New Deal programs aimed at stimulating the economy and providing employment

International spread and regional variations

• Although Streamline Moderne originated in the United States, the style quickly spread to other countries, particularly in Europe and Latin America
• International architects and designers adapted the style to local contexts and materials, creating regional variations that reflected cultural preferences and construction practices
• In Europe, Streamline Moderne often incorporated elements of the International Style and Functionalism, while in Latin America, the style was often blended with local architectural traditions and motifs

Notable architects and designers of Streamline Moderne

• Several prominent architects and designers played key roles in the development and popularization of the Streamline Moderne style, both in the United States and internationally
• These figures helped to define the aesthetic principles of the style and created some of its most iconic and influential buildings and products

Raymond Loewy and industrial design

• Raymond Loewy was a French-born American industrial designer who played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic of the Streamline Moderne era
• Loewy's designs for products like locomotives, automobiles, and household appliances embodied the streamlined, aerodynamic look that came to define the style
• His work helped to popularize the Streamline Moderne aesthetic and demonstrated the close relationship between industrial design and architecture during this period

William Lescaze and residential architecture

• Swiss-born American architect William Lescaze was a key figure in the development of Streamline Moderne residential architecture
• Lescaze's houses, such as the iconic Lescaze House in New York City, featured clean lines, smooth surfaces, and innovative use of materials like glass block and stainless steel
• His work helped to establish Streamline Moderne as a viable style for modern, upscale residences and influenced the design of countless homes throughout the United States

Erich Mendelsohn and commercial buildings

• German architect Erich Mendelsohn was a major proponent of Streamline Moderne in Europe and the United States
• Mendelsohn's commercial buildings, such as the Schocken Department Store in Chemnitz, Germany, and the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, England, showcased the style's emphasis on curved forms, horizontal lines, and dynamic, asymmetrical compositions
• His work helped to spread the Streamline Moderne aesthetic internationally and demonstrated its adaptability to a range of building types and scales

Prominence in Florida and California

• Streamline Moderne achieved particular prominence in the coastal regions of Florida and California, where the style's associations with leisure, luxury, and modernity resonated with the local culture and climate
• In Miami Beach, architects like L. Murray Dixon and Henry Hohauser designed numerous Streamline Moderne hotels, apartments, and public buildings that helped to define the city's distinctive architectural character
• In Southern California, Streamline Moderne was embraced for its sleek, futuristic look and its suitability for the region's car culture and mild climate, with architects like Stiles O. Clements and William Kesling creating iconic examples of the style

Iconic Streamline Moderne buildings and structures

• The Streamline Moderne style found expression in a wide range of building types and structures, from private residences and commercial buildings to public institutions and infrastructure
• Many of these buildings have become iconic examples of the style, showcasing its distinctive aesthetic and its close relationship to the cultural and technological context of the era

Residences like Lovell Beach House and Mallagh House

• Streamline Moderne residential architecture is exemplified by houses like the Lovell Beach House in Los Angeles, designed by Austrian-born American architect Rudolph Schindler in 1926
• The Lovell Beach House features a dramatic, curving concrete facade, ribbon windows, and a flat roof, embodying the key characteristics of the Streamline Moderne style
• Another notable example is the Mallagh House in Miami Beach, designed by Igor Polevitzky in 1934, which showcases the style's emphasis on smooth surfaces, nautical elements, and asymmetrical composition

Commercial buildings like Coca-Cola bottling plants

• Streamline Moderne was widely employed in the design of commercial buildings, particularly those associated with modern industries and consumer products
• Coca-Cola bottling plants, such as the one in Los Angeles designed by Robert V. Derrah in 1936, are iconic examples of the style's application to industrial architecture
• These buildings often featured rounded corners, horizontal bands, and large expanses of glass, creating a sleek, modern look that reflected the company's brand identity and technological prowess

Institutional buildings like schools and post offices

• Many public institutions, such as schools and post offices, were constructed in the Streamline Moderne style during the 1930s and 1940s, often as part of government-sponsored building programs
• The Lamar High School in Houston, Texas, designed by Joseph Finger in 1936, is a notable example of Streamline Moderne school architecture, with its curved facade, horizontal lines, and innovative use of materials like glass block
• Post offices, such as the Venice Post Office in Los Angeles, designed by Louis A. Simon in 1939, also embraced the Streamline Moderne aesthetic, with their sleek, modern appearance and emphasis on efficiency and functionality

Theaters, diners, and roadside architecture

• Streamline Moderne was particularly well-suited to the design of theaters, diners, and other roadside architecture, which sought to capture the attention of passing motorists and convey a sense of modernity and excitement
• The Avalon Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, designed by Russell Barr Williamson in 1929, is a classic example of Streamline Moderne theater architecture, with its curved facade, neon signage, and sleek, aerodynamic form
• Diners, such as the Sterling Streamliner in Sterling, Massachusetts, designed by Roland Stickney in 1939, also embraced the Streamline Moderne aesthetic, with their stainless steel exteriors, rounded corners, and emphasis on speed and efficiency

Gas stations, bus terminals, and airport terminals

• The Streamline Moderne style was frequently employed in the design of transportation-related structures, such as gas stations, bus terminals, and airport terminals
• Gas stations, like the Teague's Texaco Station in Asheville, North Carolina, designed by Walter Dorwin Teague in 1937, featured rounded corners, horizontal lines, and a sleek, modern appearance that echoed the design of contemporary automobiles
• Bus terminals, such as the Greyhound Bus Terminal in Cleveland, Ohio, designed by W.S. Arrasmith in 1948, and airport terminals, like the Pan Am Seaplane Base and Terminal in Miami, Florida, designed by Delano & Aldrich in 1934, also embraced the Streamline Moderne aesthetic, with their emphasis on speed, efficiency, and technological progress

Cultural and technological context of Streamline Moderne

• The emergence and development of Streamline Moderne architecture were closely tied to the cultural and technological context of the 1930s and 1940s
• The style reflected the era's fascination with progress, modernity, and the future, as well as its embrace of new technologies, materials, and modes of production

Associations with progress, modernity, and future

• Streamline Moderne embodied the cultural aspirations and anxieties of the interwar period, particularly the desire for progress, modernity, and a better future in the face of economic hardship and global instability
• The style's sleek, aerodynamic forms and machine-like aesthetics were seen as symbols of technological advancement and the promise of a more efficient, rational, and prosperous world
• Streamline Moderne architecture sought to convey a sense of forward motion and dynamism, reflecting the era's belief in the transformative power of science, technology, and human ingenuity

Reflection of machine age and mass production

• The Streamline Moderne style was deeply influenced by the machine age and the rise of mass production in the early 20th century
• The style's emphasis on smooth surfaces, standardized elements, and industrial materials like stainless steel and glass block reflected the aesthetics and processes of modern manufacturing
• Streamline Moderne architecture celebrated the precision, efficiency, and uniformity of machine-made products, and sought to apply these qualities to the built environment

Relationship to transportation and automotive design

• Streamline Moderne's close relationship to transportation design, particularly automotive and aeronautical design, was a key aspect of its cultural significance
• The style's curved forms, horizontal lines, and aerodynamic profiles were directly inspired by the streamlined shapes of contemporary cars, trains, and airplanes, which were seen as emblems of speed, progress, and modernity
• Streamline Moderne architecture sought to capture the excitement and glamour associated with modern transportation, and to create buildings that appeared to be in motion, even when static

Popularity of chrome, glass block, and new materials

• The Streamline Moderne style embraced the use of new and innovative materials, such as chrome, glass block, and plastics, which were seen as symbols of technological progress and modernity
• Chrome, with its sleek, reflective surface and associations with the machine age, was widely used in Streamline Moderne architecture and design, often as accents on doors, windows, and other elements
• Glass block, with its translucent, textured surface and ability to admit light while maintaining privacy, was also a popular material in Streamline Moderne buildings, particularly in residential and commercial applications

Influence of Hollywood glamour and movie sets

• The Streamline Moderne style was closely associated with the glamour and fantasy of Hollywood cinema, particularly the lavish, modern sets featured in movies of the 1930s and 1940s
• Many Streamline Moderne buildings, particularly those in Los Angeles and other centers of the entertainment industry, were designed to evoke the sleek, futuristic look of Hollywood movie sets
• The style's emphasis on smooth surfaces, curved forms, and dramatic lighting effects was influenced by the visual language of cinema, and helped to create an atmosphere of luxury, sophistication, and escapism

Legacy and influence of Streamline Moderne

• The Streamline Moderne style had a significant and lasting impact on American architecture and design, and continues to influence contemporary practitioners and inspire new interpretations and adaptations
• The style's legacy can be seen in its role in popularizing modernism, its relationship to subsequent architectural movements, and its enduring status as a cultural icon and symbol of a particular moment in history

Role in popularizing modernism in US

• Streamline Moderne played a crucial role in popularizing modernist architecture in the United States, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s
• The style's emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and technological innovation helped to introduce American audiences to the principles and aesthetics of modernist design
• Streamline Moderne's widespread application to a range of building types and structures, from private residences to public institutions, helped to make modernism more accessible and acceptable to the general public

Relationship to Googie and Populuxe styles

• The Streamline Moderne style had a significant influence on subsequent architectural movements, particularly the Googie and Populuxe styles of the 1940s and 1950s
• Googie architecture, which emerged in Southern California in the post-World War II period, drew heavily on the futuristic, space-age aesthetics of Streamline Moderne, with its emphasis on boomerang shapes, upswept roofs, and exaggerated forms
• Populuxe, a term coined to describe the popular modernism of the 1950s and early 1960s, also incorporated elements of Streamline Moderne, particularly its use of new materials, bold colors, and references to transportation and technology

Preservation and restoration challenges

• Many Streamline Moderne buildings have faced significant preservation and restoration challenges in recent decades, due to factors such as neglect, deterioration, and changing tastes and building practices
• The style's emphasis on smooth surfaces, curved forms, and innovative materials can make restoration and repair work more complex and costly than for other types of historic buildings
• However, growing appreciation for the cultural and architectural significance of Streamline Moderne has led to increased efforts to preserve and restore key examples of the style, both in the United States and internationally

Influence on Neo-Modernist and retro design

• The Streamline Moderne style has had a lasting influence on contemporary architecture and design, particularly in the form of Neo-