A digital platform offers fascinating archival content and insight into one of Asia’s most bustling cities that is home to a grand exhibition of the Art Deco style of architecture
Shanghai bund as seen from the French Concession
Having been introduced to the Art Deco style of architecture in our own backyard, thanks to the glorious ensemble of buildings that line the Oval Maidan and Marine Drive, it offered enough intrigue to pique this writer’s interest to go scouting for more such examples of inspired design not just across the city and its older suburbs but also in other parts of the world.
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In the 1930s, over 30 cinemas were dedicated to showing movies from Hollywood’s golden era. Of these, The Cathay Theatre (above) was one of the most striking venues, celebrating geometric patterns on its facade. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons
Miami is always the first city whose name crops up when we talk about Art Deco architecture but Shanghai’s impact cannot be overlooked. It boasts of an exceptional display of buildings in this style. The Orient’s commercial and mercantile hub is home to some of the finest assemblages of buildings that exhibit Art Deco details and patterns. As the city was exposed to elements from the West, like Mumbai, it too soaked in the best of East and West, and displayed a kind of modern-meets-traditional character. Being at the forefront of progress in the early 20th century, the city became the muse for this style that can be observed in not just its structures, but also its films, fashion and music. Shanghai Art Deco, is a useful online resource that offers visitors an engaging view of the city’s initiation and association with this architectural style, which underlined waves of modernism that were sweeping across parts of Asia at the time.
The platform raises awareness about these unique facets, and champions the need for conservation through walks, talks and their biannual Art Deco weekends. While browsing through the easily navigable website, we came across interesting links to those glorious decades when the style was prevalent across its jazz music, as well as daily life objects, including furniture, calendar art and signage across its business establishments. If you’re keen to delve deep into how this architectural style influenced Shanghai, this is the portkey to take you there.
Log on to: shanghaiartdeco.net
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