Example 15: The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (Architecture)

Melnikov, Konstantin. U.S.S.R. Pavilion. (1925). Architecture. Paris, France. Metropolis Magazine, https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/exhibition-started-international-style-art-deco/

Galeries Lafayette, Galeries Lafayette Pavilion (1925). Architecture. Paris, France. Metropolis Magazine, https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/exhibition-started-international-style-art-deco/

Bon Marché, Bon Marché’s Pavilion (1925). Architecture. Paris, France. Metropolis Magazine, https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/exhibition-started-international-style-art-deco/

(Chief Architect, Charles Plumet) 

Plumet, Charles. The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. (1925). Architecture. Paris, France. Metropolis Magazine, https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/exhibition-started-international-style-art-deco/

The Paris World Fair called in English, "The International Exposition of Decorative Arts and Modern Industries" in 1925 was a big comeback moment for Paris as WW1 took a hit to their overall population and industrial society. The chief architect was, Charles Plumet, and the architecture that the Fair took place in was created in the Art Deco style to keep up with the times and present something futuristic, bright, and positive. The success of the fair produced the actual takeoff, name, and style of Art Deco. When looking at the actual architecture, there are the key components of the style like geometric shapes and patterns, most likely vibrant colors, and designs like sunbursts. The design was overall decorative with different symbols, motifs, etc. to create a statement of high class that was modern and glamorous. This design is different from others because this was the first scene where Art Deco took off from. Without this exhibition, there would have been no true start to Art Deco. On top of this, the designs themselves in the 1925 exhibition are very elaborate and not necessarily essential for permanent use like the Chrysler or the Empire State Building. I think it is important to know the roots of a design style and I wish I had discovered this event sooner to get a feel for how the Art Deco period began in rising from the ashes of Paris. Seeing this example is also interesting to know a lot of Art Deco took place within items not part of the graphic design world but of architecture, interior design, objects, etc.