source:
http://www.penang-traveltips.com/architectural-styles-of-buildings-in-george-town.htm
http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/originals/ec/1c/84/ec1c847dc32985e8679980b38dfd3207.jpg
source:
http://www.penang-traveltips.com/art-deco-architecture-style.htm
Art Deco Style Architecture became popular in Penang from the 1920's, about the same time that the style swept through the rest of the world. The name "art deco" however was only coined in 1966, during an exhibition in Paris, where the style was first established.
The Art Deco style of architecture was embraced because it was regarded as elegant and stylish in the early 20th century. The style does away with florid embellishments that were characteristic of earlier styles, for example, the Neoclassical.
In Penang, a number of important buildings were erected in this style. Identifying them provides a clue to the period when they were built. These buildings were either finished with stucco and painted over, or with Shanghai plaster, which gives it the distinct grey appearance.
By the mid 20th century, the Art Deco movement was waning as the Modern style became popular in George Town. Nonetheless, there has been noted examples of the style being retained into the 21st century.
When the Burmah Road Gospel Hall was expanded, the Art Deco style of the original building completed in 1938 was extended to the new building that houses the English assembly of the church. The original building continues to function as the Chinese assembly. Both buildings as well as their annex retain the Art Deco style with Shanghai plaster finishing.
Examples of Art Deco Buildings in George Town, Penang
The following buildings are examples of the Art Deco style in George Town.
- 89 Acheen Street
- 306 Beach Street
- Aik Hwa Primary School
- Ban Hin Lee Bank Building
- Ben's Vintage Toy Museum
- Boston Bar
- Burmah Road Gospel Hall
- Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Phase II
- Dato Kramat Market
- Embassy Hotel Building
- Guillemard Reservoir
- HSBC Building
- Hui Aun Association
- India House
- Kar Yin Association
- Kong Teik Lim Temple
- Kuantan Road Market
- Lam Aun Hoay Kuan
- Logan Building
- Little Sisters of the Poor
- Lung Yen Association
- Odeon Cinema
- Old OCBC Building
- Penang Malay Association (PEMENANG) Building
- Police Headquarters
- Rock World
- Soo Beng Dispensary
- Standard Chartered Building
- The Great Wall, Penang Hill
- UAB Building
- Wawasan Open University Regional & Learning Office
- Wisma Great Eastern
Art Deco (/ˌɑrt ˈdɛkoʊ/), or Deco, is an influential visual arts design style which first appeared in France during the 1920s, flourished internationally during the 30s and 40s, then waned in the post-World War II era.[1] It is an eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Age imagery and materials. The style is often characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation.
