It was made entirely of glass blocks — nearly 25,000 blocks in all. The Art Deco movement of the early 20th century embraced geometric shapes and innovative materials. Glass blocks found a place in this design aesthetic due to their ability to create bold patterns of light and shadow.
While glass blocks may have peaked in the 80s, they've actually been used in American design since the late 1800s when French Architect Gustave Falconnier introduced them. By 1907, the glass block design was patented. However, many builders weren't eager to use the product because the blocks tended to fog.
Glass block quickly became popular as a building material in the 1930s and 1940s. Most buildings that utilized it were of the Streamline Moderne or Art Deco styles.
Characterized by smooth lines, geometric shapes, and bright colors, the Art Deco glass movement began, in part, as a reaction against the elaborate and ornate style of Art Nouveau in the late 19th century.
Glass block walls have long been associated with a certain era in architectural design, but are they really dated? The answer is no. In fact, glass block is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in modern architectural design. Glass blocks are now making a stylish comeback.
Another significant downside of glass block windows is their lack of insulation. They are not as energy-efficient as modern double-pane windows, which means they may allow heat transfer, causing your bathroom to become chilly during the winter and excessively hot during the summer.
The Art Deco movement of the early 20th century embraced geometric shapes and innovative materials. Glass blocks found a place in this design aesthetic due to their ability to create bold patterns of light and shadow.
The clearest hallmark of Art Deco is its geometry, which was largely derived from Cubism. Everything from flowers to the human form became angular. Shapes became bolder and simpler as geometry took over.
Pink and red (cranberry) glass is typically the most valuable and was made using gold oxide, while blue (made using cobalt salts), green (uranium), and yellow or amber (sulphur) tend to command lower prices.
Architects and designers are deploying the once-dated building material in fresh, modern ways. Along with 1980s neon manicures and vintage '90s blazers, glass blocks are making a comeback thanks in part to a new fan base on social media.
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, many current design experts, home decorators and architects agree that the look of glass block is outdated, unattractive and unnecessary. Some architects have argued that glass block is all too commonly relied upon as a crutch to cover up a poorly designed walkway or corner.
Example #7 why a glass block shower can be 'in' today – When you want to create a 'step-down' design and/or a walk-in doorless shower. If you're a fan of ditching the expensive glass shower door – and the idea of a contemporary walk in shower is up your alley, take another look at a glass block walls.
Glass brick, also known as glass block, is an architectural element made from glass. The appearance of glass blocks can vary in color, size, texture and form.
The energy efficiency rating of existing single pane glass blocks windows is a microscopic R value of . 1. With this being said the biggest energy efficiency problem with metal or wood framed basement windows is often not the thin glass – but is rotten or rusted frames surrounding the pane.
Unlike traditional glass blocks, which are hollow, glass bricks are solid masonry units that emulate the look and feel of classic brick building materials while allowing natural light to flow through.
The Royal Lace pattern was made between 1934 to 1941. Like the name suggests, curtains of lace drape around each piece. Royal Lace is one of the most beloved patterns of all Depression glass.
Murano. Murano glass is made on the island of Murano, near Venice, Italy. It has a long history and is known for exceptional craftsmanship. Murano glass is highly regarded and sought after by both collectors and art enthusiasts around the world.
What color of Depression Glass is rare? Pink and crystal (clear) are two of the rarest colors of Depression glass.
They are: Zigzag, or Jazz Moderne; WPA, or Classical Moderne; and Streamline Moderne. This is the earliest style of Art Deco architecture. In the U.S. it traces its origins to the Chicago Tribune competition of 1922 and the rendering studies of Hugh Ferriss.
Gustav Klimt's The Kiss is often hailed as one of the most famous examples of the Art Nouveau style.
Art Deco was a truly international style, but its dominance ended with the beginning of World War II and the rise of the strictly functional and unadorned styles of modern architecture and the International Style of architecture that followed.
Glass blocks gained widespread popularity during the early to mid-20th century for their unique combination of functionality and design appeal. But what are glass blocks? They are durable, light-transmitting building elements used in windows, walls, and even walkable surfaces.
The Art Deco aesthetic is epitomised by its frequent use of linear and geometric forms. Its distinct visuals come alive with triangular patterns and iconic zigzag designs. In jewellery, these lines were combined to create bold borders in which their gems could sparkle.
Bakelite Jewelry was most popular during the Art Deco period from 1909 to the 1940's. Depending on when it was manufactured, some pieces are now considered Antique! This jewelry allowed the wearers to have fun and be creative with their styles without spending a fortune to do so.