Art Deco and Industrial Design

Art Deco was during the period between the two World Wars. It originated in France and the made its way to the US and other European countries at the beginning of World War ||. It was a time of celebratory, and economical progress. Art Deco was all about moving away from the past and creating a new path for the future, culturally and aesthetically. This meant keeping some of the decorative elements but also giving them a sleeker, cosmopolitan twist. The movement grew out of the more decorative Art Nouveau period. Art Deco began to take off within the fashion and jewelry industries, which then began influencing furniture design. Some of the materials incorporated into the design movement were dark lacquered finished woods, shiny surfaces, decorative glass, geometric patterns handcrafted designs and mirrors. They also used a lot of high contrast color combinations, bold, moody, and deep colors which were then balanced by softer nudes. This was a fun, enduring, distinct, and exciting design movement.


Industrial designers “study how humans interact with devices and environments solving problems of design, usage and production, and they consider strategic business objectives in order to generate a memorable and positive experience for the user” Industrial design can be used for the improvement of the competitiveness of a product and its manufacturing. Between 1920-1930 Industrial designers started mass producing goods like automobile, trains, and electrical appliances. The US was one of the first countries that forced the development of industrial design. After WW1, US experienced rapid technological growth and industrial development. It became part of our lifestyle in business and marketing, especially in the creation of new goods and services.




 A Step Further:

Jean Dunand was a french art deco artist and designer. He studied at the Geneva School of Indusrtial Arts. Dunand practices were also invloved in sculpting, metalwork and furniture design. His works incorporated bold patterns and organic motifs. Forms that were between ovular and rectinilinear. His best known works are his ornamental vases, screens furniture and jewlery.

 

 

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