Compare And Contrast The Architecture Of The 1920's

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At the end of World War 1, people came to the realization that the values they held did not seem to correspond to what they believe in anymore because of what they experienced during the war; so, they decided to explore new ones. The 1920’s was an era of breaking social norms in America and adopting new ones that not everyone agreed with. This rebellious nature sparked an energetic and dynamic expression throughout the country. Architecture played an important role in contributing to the 1920’s that still reflects in the present.
There was an improvement in standards of residential homes, so that houses would be fixed to meet the changing needs of the people. To demonstrate, according to the website, 1920’s Architecture, it states that, sleeping …show more content…

In architecture during the 1920’s, new materials were brought in as it was found that they were better suited for construction and new technology was employed to advance the function of a building. For starters, in the book The Usborne History of the Twentieth Century, “In the 20th century, new materials, such as concrete, plate glass and steel have given architects more choice and flexibility” (Hopkinson 52). Concrete and steel allowed for more durability and firmness of structures, unlike wood where it is a strong material, but not a smart choice to be used for certain types of establishments. These new materials also allowed the idea of skyscrapers to be possible because a building of such height would need materials that could withstand great weight and force for a long time. Additionally in the website 50 Roaring Twenties Facts , an important characteristic of improved standard in architecture during the 1920’s was electrical lighting (Alchin). Not only did this device provide light in every aspect of a building when it was needed, but looking at a broader viewpoint it improved work production. People did not have to rely on other means such as sunlight to get responsibilities done, especially for industries as they could now work at any time, improving their system. Furthermore, since all buildings did not have electrical lighting before, people were not common to …show more content…

Architecture played an important role in contributing to the 1920’s that reflects in the present. There is more to a building besides acting as a place for shelter; there is history behind it and represents the importance of the past because the past is what the present. Time should be taken to appreciate the beauty and design of a building, and know that there is a story behind it.
Works Cited
Alchin, Linda. “50 Roaring Twenties Facts”. American-historama.org. Web. 13 March 2017.
Hopkinson, Christina. “Art and Architecture”. The Usborne History of the Twentieth Century. …..England; Usborne Publishing Ltd, 1993. Print.
Laurent, Pascal. “What is Art Deco?” Art Deco Society of New York. n.d. Web. 16 March 2017
Mumford, Lewis. “The Intolerable City: Must it Keep on Growing?”. Americainclass.org. 2012. …..Web. 23 March 2017.
Norton, Mary Beth. “The Vitality and Turmoil of Urban Life”. A People & A Nation. Ninth Edition, …..Volume II. Australia: Suzanne Jeans. 2012. Print.
Scott, Robert. “1920s Architecture, The Age of Skyscrapers and Bungalows”. 1920-30.com. 2012. …... Web. 15 March 2017.
“Twenties in Contemporary Commentary, The”. Americainclass.org. 2012. Web. 16 March

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