5. Art Moderne

The architects of the 1930’s sought a stream-lined, modern, up-to-date look that moved away from the Cubism and hard-edged Art Deco that preceded it. Buildings and experimental transportation at 2 major fairs (Chicago,1934,New York,1939) created the impetus. A streamlined train and Chrysler Airflow Sedan titillated the American public who, in the throes of the depression, yearned for something hopeful, clean and new.

What to look for (clues)

• Smooth, usually white (or pastel) stucco finishes.
  
• Large expanses of glass or the new, vertically stacked, glass bricks.
• Some curved corners rather than square ones.
• Long, horizontal lines (string courses) that made the design appear taller. In many cases the roof was flat.
• Circular, decorative windows that look like portholes on a ship.
  

Where to find it


Many older neighbourhoods dating back to the 1930’s have 1 or 2 of these distinctive urban homes. Entryways varied from very plain to very heavy with cement framing around the door. The first two homes are on the same street street in Kitchener. The other house is in Quebec City.

(Art Deco homes exist, but they are rare.)