In the architectural world, just as in the worlds of food, clothing, and design, as styles come together we have what’s called “fusion”. In fusion, often disparate elements come together to create a cohesive union, and sometimes seemingly harmonious elements come together in a not so harmonious way. In terms of architecture, a truly interesting blend happened in the beginning of the 20th century, melding together the elements of Spanish Mission revival style with the hip sleekness of Art Deco.

Art Deco buildings are known for their futuristic, sleek, dramatic, geometric flair. Cubes, zigzags, and futuristic chic came together to express the growing machine age in the United States. In the roaring twenties and early thirties, the jazzy Art Deco architecture was sweeping the nation.

The inspiration for the Art Deco style came from many different sources. The streamlined modern technology-looking design was melded with images of icons from the Far East, Greece, Rome, Africa, India, and Mayan and Aztec cultures. The austere shapes and curves were taken from the Bauhaus School. However, most significantly the Art Deco style took inspiration from an architectural discovery in Egypt.

The motivation for the Art Deco style came from many various sources. The efficient contemporary-looking design was molded with images of icons from the Greece, the Far East, Rome, Africa, India, and Mayan and Aztec cultures. From the Bauhaus School, was where the austere shapes and curves were taken. Most notably, however, the Art Deco style took inspiration from an architectural unearthing in Egypt.

In 1922, the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamen took place. It was an exciting time in the world when it was unearthed by the archaeologist Howard Carter and his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon. Egypt-chic styles swept the nation. It not only influenced architecture, but also the design of clothes, jewelry, furniture and graphic design. A new style that was also emerging at the same time, was the Spanish Mission Revival style. These two different styles were merged together in accord when Hollywood actors in California were enthusiastically requesting that their homes be built in the chic Spanish style. However, California is not the only place where you can view the remarkable blending of these two styles.

Hawke’s Bay which is located in Napier, New Zealand, contains some marvelous Art Deco and Spanish Mission Walks. After a devastating earthquake in 1931, the commercial heart of Napier was destroyed. However, the city was about to be revitalized in the newest architectural style, and would become the hottest city. While in Hawke’s Bay, you can see all the various styles side by side: Spanish mission, Spanish Classic, and Art Deco.

St. Louis is another place in the United States where you can see this great mixture of styles and iconographies. For example St. Louis’ famous historical building by T.P. Barnett is a lovely Spanish Revival building. Barnett was the son of George I. Barnett, who was another famous architect in St. Louis.

The T.P. Barnett structure is rather interesting because of its Art Deco influences. This makes it one of the most unique buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. While you are in town, you must visit this Spanish Revival building on Washington Avenue.