Streamline Moderne Architecture Explained: Origins, Elements, and Famous Examples

Streamline Moderne Architecture has always been a true reflection of the hopes and ambitions of the people who built it. This type of design came into being in the 1930s. It provided one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It consists of smooth curves, horizontal lines, and other modern features. However, this style is considered one of the most recognizable architectural styles in history.

If you are planning to build any structures and are confused about finalizing the design. You must get help from the best architectural rendering services because they will provide you real like images and animation. You just need to tell those experts about your inspiration, whether they belong to the streamline architecture. This is the best way to save your budget and timelines. 

READ OUR GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING STREAMLINE MODERN ARCHITECTURE AND ITS ORIGINS, ELEMENTS, AND FAMOUS EXAMPLES!

What Is Streamline Moderne?

Streamline Moderne is a late phase of the Art Deco movement.

However, Art Deco used geometric patterns and vertical features. But Streamline Moderne took a different path. It was inspired by industrial design. Plus, speed and technology both were also the main focus.

You know what is the interesting fact about this style? The style borrowed ideas from the visual language of:

1. Trains
2. Airplanes
3. ocean liners
4. Automobiles

Designers noticed that objects moving through air and water shared common characteristics:

• rounded edges
• tapered forms
• Smooth and unbroken surfaces

They applied these same rules to buildings, furniture, and everyday objects. Thos creates clean and modern look in the designs.

Origins 

To understand this Architecture types, you need to look into its origins. The style was born during the Great Depression. It was the time of a bad economy across the USA. That is why designers and architects thought to design buildings that promote confidence. They wanted to make people better!

However, there were several reasons that influenced this style:

• Industrial Design Influence was transforming the look of everyday products. Their work directly influenced architects.
• The transportation boom in the 1930s in aviation, rail travel, etc., led to new concepts.
• European Modernism also influences this style. As it consisted of clean lines which pushed designers away from using decoration.
• There was a desire for escape at that time due to anxiety. But this type of style suggested motion and speed from the difficulties of the past.

Major Elements of Streamline Moderne Architecture

This type of building had several features. You can also mix old and modern features with the assistance of a Top visualization company. 

Curved Corners and Rounded Edges

It is one of the most important features of this style. Whereas other buildings have sharp corners. However, this architectural style wraps smoothly around them. This provides a feel of fluid motion.

Horizontal Lines and Banding

Horizontal lines are also one of the most important parts of its exterior. They are like decorative stripes. Plus, the windows are placed in rows in a long manner.

Smooth, Flat Surfaces

Walls are rendered in concrete or other smooth materials. The declaration is very minimal. That is why, the surface itself becomes a design.

Porthole Windows

Small windows are a common part of this architectural style. This is used in both commercial and residential projects.

Flat or Low-Pitched Roofs

 Rooflines are kept simple and free of clutter.

Glass Block

Large panels were mostly used to bring in diffused light. This helps to maintain the smooth exterior appearance.

Chrome and Metal Accents

Shiny metal in indoor handles, railings, etc., is used. It used to show love for industrial materials.

White or Pale Color Palettes

Buildings were mostly finished in white or light pastel tones. This used to give a clean look!

Canopies and Fins

Horizontal canopies were also added in the entrances. It was like a decorative element given to the building.

Famous Examples 

Hoover Building, London, England  

It was designed by:

1.  Wallis
2. Gilbert
3. Partners, 

The features of this building are:

• white facade
• colorful accents
• bold horizontal composition  

Cincinnati Union Terminal, Ohio, USA 

It was designed by Fellheimer & Wagner. The main feature of this building is a big semicircular facade and sweeping interior rotunda.  

The Chrysler Building Lobby and Details, New York City

The designers used metalwork and surfaces.  

Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District, Florida, USA

This Beach contains the largest collection of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture in the world. 

It consists of the main features such as:

• signature curves
• porthole windows
• nautical references in spectacular fashion

Bullocks Wilshire, Los Angeles, California, USA 

It is considered as the one of the major commercial buildings of such style. This building consists of the following features such as:

• a soaring copper-clad tower
• smooth terra cotta surfaces
• interior spaces of extraordinary elegance

Pan Pacific Auditorium, Los Angeles, California 

This building was one of the most photographed examples of the style. It consists of four dramatic pylons and a sweeping entrance canopy. 

Conclusion

Streamline Moderne buildings are considered as cultural treasures. Historic preservation companies work actively to save remaining examples. The style promotes a passionate following among architecture enthusiasts and travelers.