What was the impact of Art Deco architecture on the design of shopping malls?

Art Deco architecture influenced the design of shopping malls in several ways. The style's emphasis on geometric shapes and streamlined designs influenced the modernist approach to architecture, which emphasized simplicity and functionality over ornamentation. Architects began designing shopping malls with clean lines, sleek surfaces, and minimal ornamentation.

Art Deco also featured a lot of glass, which was incorporated into the design of malls to create bright, open, and airy spaces that displayed merchandise effectively. This technique of designing shops around an atrium, or central open space, was popularized in the 1950s and became a hallmark of modern shopping mall design.

Finally, Art Deco also emphasized the use of new materials in architecture, such as reinforced concrete, steel, and glass block. These materials allowed architects to create striking designs with dramatic curves and angles. Modern shopping malls followed suit, incorporating these materials into their structures and design.

Overall, the impact of Art Deco architecture on shopping malls was significant, laying the groundwork for modern shopping mall design that prioritized functionality, aesthetics, and technology.

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