Amy Bunselmeyer Copy Editor
H
ere at TU, we’re all familiar with the Tulsa skyline. From the steps of McFarlin Library we have an unobstructed view of downtown Tulsa and all its glory. What you might not realize, seeing those buildings every day, is that many of them are the product of the Art Deco architectural movement of the early 20th century. In fact, our special little city is home to one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the country. There are over 100 Art Deco buildings, bridges and monuments in Tulsa. If you aren’t familiar with architecture, you might be wondering what makes a building Art Deco. The style originated in France in the years following the First World War. As a result of this context, the style is known for its embrace of technological and machine imagery, while at the same time pulling
from styles and traditions of the past. Art Deco is generally characterized by the use of geometric shapes that fit into larger and more complex patterns, with a focus on symmetry and vertical lines. It also frequently incorporates stained glass windows, ornate decorations and bright contrasting colors. Chevrons, zigzag patterns and sunburst shapes can typically be found all over any early Art Deco building. The movement became quite popular in the first part of the 20th century, and drew on Modernist art movements, such as cubism and futurism, as well as the literature of the time. Much like other forms of Modernism, Art Deco was not well received by experts in the architectural field. In a book on Tulsa Art Deco, the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture suggested that Art Deco “was either ignored by our major architects, or it was dismissed as unfortunate, obviously misguided.” Despite being looked down on by some major architects, the style caught on in the United States. Art Deco was popular in See Deco page 10
Graphic and PhOtO by SaRaH PoWER