When we use the phrase “Mid Century Modern” (MCM) at Atomic Ranch, we are usually referring to modernist architecture in the 1940s-1970s. You may notice, however, that we sometimes feature buildings and designs that predate that time period. Usually, that is because they were earlier designs by prominent Mid Century Modern architects, and/or they were important precursors to the development of MCM architecture.
In this guide, we are going to share some architectural styles that were foundational to the development of Mid Century Modern. The first two do not overlap as much with MCM, but do share some elements in common, while the latter two have an even stronger relationship with MCM.
Art Deco
Art Deco is a style that started showing up as early as the 1910s, reaching peak prominence in the 1920s and 1930s.
The image above of the Hoover Building does a good job illustrating some of the similarities and differences between Art Deco and Mid Century Modern. You can see that the building materials (concrete and glass) as well as the structure’s overall shape are similar to MCM buildings to follow.
There are some elements here, however, that are typical of Art Deco, but not later MCM architecture. These include a tiered design with prominent setbacks (originally popularized in New York City to satisfy zoning laws), as well as some detailed architectural ornamentation. Decorative elements on Art Deco buildings are typically geometric and stylized. The overall look tends to be sleek and streamlined, which brings us to the next precursor.
Streamline Moderne
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, a subset of Art Deco called Streamline Moderne became popular. This style took the streamlined sleekness of Art Deco even further, and reduced the ornamentation. Streamline Moderne also features iconic curves, and a strong emphasis on horizontal lines. The buildings may put you in mind of ships, trains, automobiles and other vehicles (some of which were also designed in that style). It’s a style that looks like it is “moving fast” into an optimistic imagined future.
The Cleveland Greyhound Station above is quintessential Streamline Moderne, but also features materials and shapes common in MCM architecture. In fact, it opened in 1948, which means that we can actually consider it an MCM building as well.
Bauhaus
Bauhaus is not a “style” so much as a movement or school of thought in architecture. The Bauhaus school in Germany started in 1919, and operated until 1933. Some of its members went on to become some of the most famous Mid Century Modern architects, including founder Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Bauhaus buildings are typically characterized by simple, clean lines, geometric forms, truth to materials, asymmetry, glass curtain walls, flat roofs, and bold pops of color. Many of these Bauhaus elements found their way into Mid Century Modern architecture later.
International Style
International Style can be considered a subset of Mid Century Modern, but it also predated Mid Century Modern. It can be traced back to the 1920s, after which it became prominent all the way into the 1970s.
This style features simple rectangular forms, large planes of glass, and open materials. Like many other sub-styles of MCM, concrete, glass and steel are its main materials. It became popular for commercial architectural projects as well as residential ones, especially offices and skyscrapers.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like International Style’s Favorite House, Villa Savoye and Walter Gropius: Visionary Founder of Bauhaus. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
