Possibly you have found ever walking through any European capital or by southern cities of United States with examples of architecture that elicited much more interest in your senses the deserved to ride.

Muestras de Art Decó en Ocean Drive

source: Phillip Pessar

If at the time of looking up, different floral motifs and textures and repeats geometric or carved Egyptian techniques were shown you, you are probably close to a kind of more than simple Modernism.

Miami Neon lights and Art Deco

source: Craig ONeal

Near the 1930’s, several European citizens put in their luggage a number of styles, forms, concepts, ideas and convictions on architecture that dominated those times. Both sculpture and contemporary architecture highlighted by a particular and singular way of conceiving certain artistic manifestations. In 1930 it was believed that the technology would more than secured near future and a new industrial challenge.

Architectural decoration in Miami Beach

source: morguefile

The inspiration from science fiction, risky ideas and unpredictable concepts allowed a new way of understanding the construction of known as streamline moderne. The internationally renowned beaches of Ocean Drive of Miami Beach became in this artistic style reference.

Simple shapes Art Deco Miami

source: Ann Baekken

The ideas, forms, styles and proposals of most mansions, hotels, buildings and houses of the most renowned promenade of the most crowded capital in Florida do not attend a sole purpose of Art Deco, but that creative value make it one snapshot most referred to by visitors from all over the world; especially to be considered one the capitals of the artistic avant-gardes capitals.

Signs, neon lights and shapes Art Deco in Miami

source: sxc.hu

The Art Decó more classic style is characterized by “streamline” elements, exotic, tropical, warm, shapes, curves, etc. and they reaffirm architecture unparalleled in the rest of the world.

The best Art Deco in Miami Ocean Drive

source: morguefile

It is estimated that about 800 buildings can be found in the most of 2,2 miles from the Ocean Drive promenade. However, we could focus our attention on 15 buildings by its artistic richness and great recognition. Constructions are located between streets 6 to 13:

  • Park Central (1937)
  • Imperial (1939)
  • Majestic (1940)
  • Avalon (1941)
  • Beacon (1936)
  • Colony (1935)
  • Waldorf-Towers (1937)
  • Breakwater (1939)
  • Edison (1935)
  • Clevelander (1938)
  • Adrian (1934)
  • Leslie (1937)
  • Carlyle (1941)
  • Cardozo (1939)
  • Cavalier (1936)
Curves and wrought iron of Art Deco in Miami Ocean Drive

source: Ines Hegedus-García

The most common decorative motifs in constructions are: color stripes, Mediterranean interiors, wrought iron, subdued colors, cutting-edge color combinations, flat covers, arches in windows, railings, Central Towers, eyebrows and vertical grooves, tiles, terracotta, concrete, friezes with abstract Aztec and floral designs, curved side, rounded corners, corners at an angle, portholes, neon lights, decorative lights, ledges flat, engraving flemish, asymmetrical forms, horizontal and vertical lines, rows of windows, tropical vegetation low-reliefs, decorative, flemish, circles, etc.

Art Nouveau decoration lamps Miami

source: Phillip Pessar

The process of preservation of the emblematic area of South Beach  took place thanks to a campaign for the preservation of its architecture. Barbara Capitman, in 1976, founded the Miami Design Preservation League in a period of decline and decay of the maritime area of Ocean Drive. The tour of 2,5 km. was declared formally artistic historical monument of the United States. Today the campaign remains.

Art Nouveau buildings Miami Ocean Drive streets

source: ozge can

From juanjook.com advise that taking a look at everything that surrounds us, especially what we can find in other countries, we can discover unique stories that reinforce even more if everything what we think is possible. Architecture and its manifestations in historical avant-gardes are a good reason to recognize why art and how the design, advertising, illustration, or serigraphy, influence our way of life. Brussels, Barcelona, Paris, Riga or just Miami are one stop in our mind.