Photoessay: Captures from an Art Deco Walk in Malleshwaram, Bangalore

Think Art Deco and it is not uncommon to think of iconic buildings like the Chrysler Building in New York, Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles​​ and the Chicago Board of Trade Building. A style that became widely popular between the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco dominated the field of not only architecture but also interior design, decorative arts, and fashion. It is a style known for its elegance, use of luxurious elements, rich materials, unique geometrical shapes and the bright use of color.

An Art Deco Building in Malleshwaram, Bangalore

In India, Art Deco buildings are common especially in the metros and some renowned buildings include the New India Assurance Building in Mumbai, Eros Cinema in Churchgate in Mumbai, Kota House in Delhi, Tower House in Kolkata and the All India Radio Building in Delhi. These buildings often blend international design principles of Art Deco with local cultural elements, creating a niche architectural style that is characterized by geometric patterns, ornamental grills and bright colours along with local materials and motifs.

An Art Deco Building in Malleshwaram, Bangalore

Did you know that there are several Art Deco Buildings in Bangalore too? Well, I discovered some hidden gems on an Art Deco Walk led by Suchitra Deep in Malleshwaram. Here are some captures:

The most striking feature of Art Deco buildings are the rounded or curved edges that give it a unique look and make it instantly recognizable.

Rounded Edges in the design of an Art Deco Building in Malleshwaram Curved Edges in the design of an Art Deco Building in Malleshwaram

The interiors especially the ceiling have rounded edges too.

Interior of an Art Deco Building

Most buildings were painted in bright solid colours and had ornamental grills.

Bright hues make Art Deco buildings look vibrant Ornamental grills in Art Deco buildings Doors with ventilators having decorative, wrought iron grill patterns

Sunbursts, waves, and arrows are common patterns seen on the facade, gates as well as the main door.

Wavy pattern on the main door Sun pattern on the gate of a residence

Red oxide and Terrazo flooring is the most common in these buildings. The borders again have wavy and sprial patterns which is sometimes done in black.

Red oxide flooring in old residences built in the Art Deco Style

We saw several old residences and even went inside as many as 4-5 houses where permission was arranged in advance from the owners.

The owner explaining features of Art Deco Houses in Malleshwaram Planters built into the wall is another feature of these buildings

The walk was indeed a revelation into houses which have stood the test of time and are reflections of a glorious past.

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