A Tale of Two Cities: Art Deco Architecture in Mumbai and Miami
About Art Deco: Mumbai & Miami
Art Deco, a style that originated in the 1920s and reached its zenith in the ’30s and ’40s, is characterized by its embrace of modern design fused with traditional elements. This movement permeated various forms of art, including jewelry, furniture, textiles, fashion, graphics, and industrial design. Architectural designs featured chevrons, pyramids, florals, zig-zags, and other geometric shapes, creating visually striking buildings that have stood the test of time.
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, houses the second largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world, after Miami. This heritage, often referred to as “Bombay Deco,” began to take shape as early as the 1920s. The style was embraced by Indian industrial elites like Framji Sidhwa, Shiavax Cambata, and K.A. Kooka, who commissioned new structures along Marine Drive and the western flank of Oval Maidan.
The first wave of Art Deco buildings in Mumbai were mostly residential, designed by a new generation of Indian architects such as Gajanan Mhatre, Sohrabji Bhedwar, and P.C. Dastur. These buildings were uniform in height, featured high ceilings, and open balconies. The rulers of various princely states, with their wealth and international exposure, played a significant role in promoting avant-garde architectural expressions, resulting in the proliferation of Art Deco in British India.
Notable examples of Mumbai’s Art Deco architecture include the Dhanraj Mahal and the Taraporevala Aquarium. The Dhanraj Mahal, once the largest and grandest residential building in Bombay, showcases typical Art Deco elements with its curved balconies and streamlined forms. The Taraporevala Aquarium, built in the 1950s, is another landmark that exemplifies the city’s rich Art Deco heritage.
Miami’s Art Deco architecture is primarily concentrated in the South Beach area, known for its vibrant and colorful buildings that attract tourists from around the world. The city’s Art Deco district features over 800 buildings constructed between the 1920s and 1940s, making it the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.
Miami’s Art Deco style is characterized by pastel colors, nautical motifs, and geometric patterns, which reflect the city’s coastal environment and glamorous lifestyle. Buildings such as the Colony Hotel, the Carlyle, and the Park Central Hotel are iconic examples that have been meticulously preserved and restored.
The Cultural Significance of Art Deco
Art Deco in both Mumbai and Miami represents more than just an architectural style; it is a cultural symbol that reflects the historical and social contexts of each city. In Mumbai, Art Deco buildings stand as a testament to the city’s colonial past and its emergence as a modern metropolis. They also highlight the influence of Indian industrial elites and princely states in shaping the city’s architectural landscape.
In Miami, Art Deco represents the city’s transformation into a vibrant tourist destination and a hub of modernity. The preservation of these buildings has become integral to Miami’s cultural identity, attracting visitors and serving as a backdrop for numerous films and television shows.
To understand contemporary perceptions of Art Deco architecture, a survey was conducted among Mumbai residents. The survey included participants of all ages: 18% were under 20, 36.1% were above 40, and 45.9% were between 20 and 40 years of age. Despite 54.1% of participants having no background in design or architecture, 70.5% were aware of Art Deco architecture.
When asked which city comes to mind when thinking of Art Deco, 77.1% of respondents chose Mumbai over Miami, possibly influenced by the survey’s location. Interestingly, 18% of participants found Miami’s Art Deco more appealing, while 47.5% favored Mumbai’s style, while 34.4% found both cities appealing.
Recognition of local landmarks was mixed; 37.2% of participants could identify either the Dhanraj Mahal or the Taraporewala Aquarium from photos, and 63.9% acknowledged having seen these buildings before despite not being able to name the buildings. Furthermore, 54.1% of respondents believed that Art Deco is very important to the cultural identity of both Mumbai and Miami, reflecting a strong appreciation for the architectural style.
Optimism about the future of Art Deco preservation in Mumbai was moderate, with 32.8% of participants expressing high optimism about restoration and preservation efforts.
The Future of Art Deco in Mumbai
The survey results suggest a growing awareness and appreciation for Art Deco among Mumbai’s residents. This increased recognition can potentially lead to more robust preservation efforts and a renewed focus on maintaining the city’s architectural heritage. As public interest and engagement continue to rise, there is hope that Mumbai’s Art Deco buildings will receive the attention and care they deserve, ensuring their survival for future generations. The future of Art Deco lies in the hands of those who value its historical and cultural significance. With continued awareness, appreciation, and preservation efforts, Art Deco in Mumbai and Miami can remain a vibrant and integral part of each city’s architectural identity.