Art Deco in Napier, New Zealand
Tue, Jun 10th 2008, 00:00
Tragedy struck Napier in New Zealand on 3rd February 1931 when an earthquake levelled most of the inner city and killed 258 people.
Napier is the second largest city in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand, started in the 1850s when the colonial government purchased a block of land from the Maori. Napier flourished as a commercial centre and port servicing the Hawkes Bay area. After the earthquake, the town had to be extensively rebuilt and this presented a perfect opportunity to inject new style and vigour into Napier’s landscape.
Present day Napier one of the capitals for Art Deco architecture in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Art Deco in New Zealand is unique ... it draws on the rich heritage of Maori designs to integrate with traditional Art Deco motifs and the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Art Deco architectural style derives its name from the 1925 Industrial Art expo held in Paris, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes. This gathering celebrated industrial design and the modern world. The spirit of the era drew from art movements of the time, Cubism, Bauhaus and Expressionism. This was a celebration of the modern world, clean facades devoid of superfluous decoration, utilising symmetrical lines and modern materials.
Art Deco uses symbolism to represent the dawning of a new modern age. Geometric shapes symbolise machines and technology. Look for embellishments like stepped rooflines, round porthole windows, curved edges, and neon lighting. Traditional bricks were replaced with reinforced concrete.
By the end of the 1930s, Napier was one of the most modern cities on earth. While the architecture was neglected for the next few decades, a renewed interest in the 1990s has seen the buildings restored and protected. Art Deco is celebrated during the Art Deco Weekend held in Napier each February.
Related Categories
Featured Businesses
- Traxx Restaurant (2009-02-26)
Located in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Since 1997, Traxx Restaurant in Los Angeles, California, United States has brought fine dining back to historic Union Station while acting as major player in Los Angeles' downtown renaissance. Its presence, along with the Staples centre and the revitalized shopping and cultural venues, adds extra vitality to the cityscape.
read more » - Ital Decor Limited (2009-05-28)
Located in Burnaby, Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Ital Decor Limited in Burnaby offers its clients a unique decor skill which comes from years of training and experience, having worked in hundreds of homes, businesses, galleries, museums, and commercial buildings.
read more » - The Getty Centre (2009-02-24)
Located in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States
The admission to the Getty Centre in Los Angeles, California, United States and to all the exhibitions is free therefore no tickets or reservations are required for general admission or for parking.
read more » - Hawkes Bay Wine Country Cat
Located in Napier, Hawke's Bay, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Welcome to the home of the Hawkes Bay Wine Country Cat. Hi there, You have reached the H.Q of Napier's newest, most talked about cruise vessel. The Hawke's Bay Wine Country Cat sails from the 'Iron Pot', West Quay, Napier, and is an experience that ...
read more » - All Russian Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Art (2008-12-05)
Located in Moscow, Moskva River, Central Federal District, Russia
All Russian Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Art is situated in the centre of Moscow, in a former estate. The exposition presents a large collection of traditional Russian toys, famous hand-painted lacquered boxes, the unique pieces of furniture, porcelain and glassware from famous Russian factories and many others.
read more » - Clover Downs Estate
Located in Ngongotaha , Lake Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Welcome to Clover Downs Estate, a luxury bed and breakfast retreat in stunning rural surroundings near Rotorua. Enjoy the comfort of superior accommodation while experiencing authentic New Zealand farm life.
read more » - Ocean Spa Napier
Located in Hawkes Bay, Hawke's Bay, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Vast Ocean views, warm soothing water and bubbles provide for relaxation and body energizing for those who visit Napier’s latest attraction, the Ocean Spa Napier. This picturesque facility opened 1st February 2003 on the site of the original Hot Sea ...
read more » - Hell Pizza Napier
Located in Napier, Hawke's Bay, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Hell first began in 1996 next to Victoria University, and since then has gained a huge following in Wellington. After a little creative advertising, the name Hell started to gain a reputation. Since then the fire has spread to cover much of New Zealand wi...
read more » - The New Zealander Restaurant (2009-06-05)
Located in Alameda, Alameda County, California, United States
The New Zealander Restaurant located in Alameda, services the perfect New Zealand meat pie together with pub style meals with domestic and imported beers on tap, in a family friendly atmosphere.
read more » - Black Forest Bakery & Cafe Of Dana Point (2009-06-04)
Located in Dana Point, Orange County, California, United States
Black Forest Bakery & Cafe Of Dana Point - “It’s All About The Cake†- is an award-winning custom cake design studio, located in the heart of picturesque Dana Point harbor. Family-owned and operated for over 10 years, Diane Richey and her award-winning designers have created a unique environment in which they work with each client on an individual basis, to create one-of-a-kind edible wedding-, birthday-, celebration cakes and desserts.
read more »
Art Deco in Napier, New Zealand reviews
Login to comment