Tuesday 16 March 2010

Functionalism



This is the first door like this I have seen. The lines of this door are very clean and sober and the wood is light in colour and not too oppressive. Look at it closely and you will see that it is a combination of wood and metal.


I would guess that this door is probably from the mid 1920's because it's design appears to be a product of the Functionalism period - a period defined by simple lines, geometric elements and the embodiment of a new type of construction - a sort of rationalised response to Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Note the vaguely bird-shaped door handle and the carved scrolls - in my opinion they are a simplification of what would have appeared in the Art Deco period. It is interesting to note that the lamps on each side of this door were made in the same style as the door.


Go back to the first picture and look again at the door's frame...it is rather geometric, but does not have the same feel as the door. The rest of the building is also of a different style than this door which makes me believe that the door is a product of a later period.

3 comments:

Malyss said...

Very graphic, in lines and shapes;It also makes me think about "art and craft" style.

My Mind's Eye said...

Your descriptions of all the doors is amazing..you have a good eye for detail on the smallest item and are so good at helping us all enjoy the beauty of each door.
Madi and Mom

Wanda..... said...

My first impression on seeing the door, was that it had the look of a fortressed castle. Your knowledge of doors and art periods is impressive, now I do see the resemblance to the "arts and craft" style and the difference from the door frame. I have "mission" style furniture, that it reminds me of too.