Art Deco

* See also Art_Deco_Era_Slang
* See also Art and Artists in Rapture
* See also Nostalgia
* See also Decorations
WHO IS THIS "ARTHUR DECO" AND WHAT THE HELL DOES HE HAVE TO DO WITH BIOSHOCK ???
"Decodence" a definition... ( Found on a 'Diesel Punk' website )
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"Art Deco" ( A term not used until 1960s - named after the 1925 Paris Exhibition - Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes ). It has been commented that "Defining Art Deco, It's like trying to nail down a bubble" ( It is a VERY broad classification ).
Time of Art Deco was called "the Jazz age" ( as named by the guy who wrote Gatsby, Fitzgerald )
'Moderne' style of architecture ( compared to the 'Beaux Arts' and 'Art Nouveau' styles used before it )
Other Names/Variations :
* Streamline Moderne
* Moderne
* Modernism
* 'Skyscraper'
* Art Moderne
* Neo-Gothic
* Zigzag Moderne
* Ziggurat Moderne
* Jazz Age ( F. Scott Fitzgerald 'coined the term' )
* Pueblo Deco ( in Southwest US using Indian styles )
* Machine Age
* Functionalism ( the more bland stuff )
* Cubist
* Expressionist
* Speed and the Industrial Revolution
* Egyptian Deco ( Egyptian theme re-energized by King Tut Discovery, 1922 "Egypto-Deco" )
* "Delayed Deco" for various buildings that were 'delayed' from being built by WW2
* Industrial Deco - factories made of reinforced concrete, concrete slabs being integral
* Industrial Arts 'style'
* Art Deco is classified to include elements of Italian Futurism, Russian Constructivism, Brutalism, the Bauhaus and De Stijl design schools
* "Exoticism"
* "Eclecticism"
* "Jazz Moderne"
* Dragon Deco
* Depression Deco/Depression Moderne
( Other variations like Egyptian Revival, Egypto-Deco, Miami-Deco, Nuevo-Deco, Aztec-Deco, Spanish-Mission-Deco, Native American themes, Maori (in New Zealand) )
Other styles like "Bauhaus" ( functional and less decorative ) have similar attributes and are often lumped in with 'Art Deco')
The "Arts and Crafts" movement was a precursor ( 'it' offering simplification of earlier ornate styling )
Frank Lloyd Wright's work was ahead of its time and have many Art Deco type elements
Proto Deco - First Art Deco building in NYC 1923 was a Telephone Company building 
Some contemporary architects after the Post-Modern designs started to proliferate referred to late Art Deco as "Retardataire" ( a work of art or architecture executed in an earlier or outdated style. )
 'Taisho Chic' Japanese application Art Deco-like
Versus "Modernism" which disposed of ornamentation, and the design was pure functional form ( did not always stick to that absolute )
Various 'modernist' architects, who often were radical socialists designed Housing Projects in the 1920s ( Where the individual dwelling units/apartments were the closest things I've seen to being prison cells. )
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The Art Deco style employs "the plastic arts" - those that are shaped/molded
* Hard edged, low relief decoration
* Chrome/Stainless steel(shiny metal including brass)
* Curves in building walls/features
* Buildings with corner (wrap) windows 
* Corner Wrap Windows
* "Rule of Three's" (3 elements repeated)
* Metalic Accents
* Tubular Elements
* Streamlined - Evoking the speed and glamour of the new shipping lines, airlines and trains.
* Speed Lines (usually a set of 3)
* Concrete Slab construction (reinforced concrete), and Free Formed concrete
* Stepped/setbacks (building profiles)
* Inset Entryways
* Abstracted Decoration
* Bas-relief Sculpture (often cast)
* Towers on buildings
* Repeated pre-manufactured Tiling/Surfacings of Terra Cotta and metal decorations 
* Terra Cotta 'cladding' (as decoration) wires imbedded in the ceramic used to tie to the building surface ( decades later caused problems because of corrosion of that fastening ) - along with mortar insetting
* Casement Windows ( not much use in Rapture )
* Porthole Windows
* Indirect Lighting was another 'Art Deco' feature
* Neon (tube lights) important to Art Deco style (it started in 1925 signs)
* Glass Plate/tile wall surfaces ( Vitrolite & Vitrolux ) - 'Structrual Glass'
* Colored Glass
* Polychromy
* Metal Tubing instead of wood on furniture/decorations
* 'Stripped' Columns ( vertical 'columns', up the side of a building plain, usually square, no plinth or capital 
* Art Deco building "Piers" instead of Columns (terminology)
* Cast 'Stone' ( greatly lowers expenses, though is generally limited to 'low relief' ) 
* Terrazzo : a composite material, poured in place or precast, which is used for floor and wall treatments. It consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable material, poured with a cementitious binder
* Glass Brick
* Fluting ( ie- vertical striations )
* Stepped Patterns
* Metal Fin Ceilings
* New materials : Aluminum, Plastics, Rayon
* Construction with with 1:2:3 ratios
* Murals and Geometric Figures
* Low Relief Sculpture (often cast)
* Sun Ray Motif 
* Frozen Fountain Motif
* 'Dime Store Deco" cheap decorated items, mass produced for mass consumer markets
* Art Deco Houses - many by famous architects being too complex for ordinary people to afford, while others much more modest/simpler ( mass production techniques used )
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See Also Diesel Punk Crafts
See Also Art Deco Era Slang
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What went before :
* Ecole Des Beaux Arts
* Historicism 
* Art Nouveau
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Art Deco It Is :
1920s and 1930s were Ryan's formative years, so that's why (in story) he picked that style for his City ( Art Deco started in 1925, and was built in the US through the 1940s ).
 'Nostalgia' as an element for a 'game', the selection of this style made it easy to copy ( no artistic/imaginative abilities required ... ) The simplified decorations are also easier on the Rendering capabilities of computers.
The Great metropolis of NYC ( which Rapture's Skyline is a poor rendition of ) is iconic and built of many buildings of this style ( later glass wall buildings pretty much postdated Rapture's building period ).
--- --- ---
Art Deco Lives On :
Just like the maker of the original BioShock games, all the existing REAL Art Deco styling and objects are available ( google it on the internet ... ) to be mimicked/borrowed/copied with significantly less imagination required to invent something new (and good). Replicating such things still requires artistic and technical skill and some creative application. It does drastically simplify the work needed to create things for the game, producing recognizable items with predefined guidelines and ideas.
Old Rapture lives on in New Rapture and the Art Deco still shines thru in the ruin and chaos.
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Art Deco in Bioshock :
1920s and 30s style ( and into the 40s even ) with ALOT of architectural examples available. Handy for a game to pick a style/theme that they didn't have to use much imagination to create - just duplicate/cut-n-paste ( similar with Props/NPCs clothing/music/etc ... ). Just Google 'Art Deco' and you can get all the ideas you need for the City and have it be recognizable ( similar for other styles as Rapture was all Art Deco ). USA PWA - Public Works Administration government projects during the 1930s Depression.
Typical Art Deco Attributes :
* Simplifying form, streamlining
* Highlight lines, cubes and planes, curves
* Facade, towers, stepped elements
* Finials and parapets, moldings and friezes
* Symbols and imagery
* Geometric/Parallels ( versus Art Nouveau curves )
==Streamline Style==
Lots of examples on the image search http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=streamline+style linky
Streamlinedmoderneinfo.jpg
Artdecostyleinfo.jpg
UnionStationDesk.jpg
Inspiration - Pictures
One thing about a 'Retro' Theme for a Game - They don't have to actually create/think up many original ideas ...
ArtDecoBuilding17.jpg
SubstationDeco.jpg|On an Electrical Substation in the Middle of a US City
Thatsnotadoor this.jpg
Buildingggg2.jpg
Buildingggg.jpg
Chrysler.jpg
Neededseawindowslikethis.jpg
Skyscraper.jpg
Ryansflask.jpg
Decoclock.jpg
Steppedinbuilding.jpg
Carnegiemascot.jpg
Romanianartdec.jpg
Artdecodoor66.jpg
Glassbrickbooth.jpg|Drive-In booth made of "Glass Brick"
Stairz.jpg
StreamlinedtrolleyPCC.jpg
Crazymancrazy.jpg
Building.jpg
Streamlineee.jpg
Streamlineddd.jpg
Radioround.jpg
Radiiiioo.jpg
Thinggg.jpg
Eaglething.jpg
THISisaelevatorG.jpg
ArtDecoPodRacer.jpg
Niagraz.jpg
EgyptianDeco.jpg
MotoDeco.jpg
Metalicjustdoesntshinerightunderwater.jpg
Coalbunker.jpg
NowThatsAVent.jpg
Waldorfastoria.jpg
Wilshireblvd.jpg
ViaductConcreteSteel.jpg
Grillworkk.jpg
Theseus.jpg
MezoAmericanInfluenced.jpg
Ryansbathroomtilefloor.jpg
SpaceAtAPremium.jpg
HephaestusStainedGlass.jpg
Sconce.jpg
Ashtrayyy.jpg
Edisonbldg2.jpg
Edisonbldg1930.jpg
Decopattern.jpg
TopOFinancialDistrict.jpg
ARTDECOO.jpg
Nbvhbgfgc.jpg
Spacenowaste.jpg
Radio.jpg
ShakenNotStirred.jpg
StationX.jpg
Ruin_interesting.jpg
Stamppp.jpg
Decofont3.jpg
Vdcterryt.jpg
ArtDecoRadio.jpg
RaptureBArelyTouchedArtDeco.jpg
StrippedClassic.jpg
Fancyelevatorz.jpg
Skyline1939.jpg
1937radio.jpg
Artdecoradio.jpg
Locomotive1934.jpg
Nowthatsalamp.jpg
MarvinTsSoupEmporium.jpg
Giantradio.jpg
Lamp.jpg
Clock.jpg
1939.jpg
Atlashouse.jpg
Fancy.jpg
Empirestateblgelev.jpg
Notplain.jpg
Pcc.jpg
Nervex.jpg
RaptureSuckIt.jpg
Radio_artdeco.jpg
EverythingBetterWithRadium.jpg
NowThatsArtDeco.jpg
Dieselpunkmotorcycle.jpg
FamiliarTV.jpg
ArtDecoGoodness.jpg
ArteDeco.jpg
Fishgun.jpg
Streamlined.jpg
PrettyClockX.jpg
Motorbike.jpg
SmokingWhat.jpg
Familiar.jpg
1930Streamline.jpg
Drinkcabinet.jpg
Dieselpunkcomputer.jpg
LookFamiliar3.jpg
Empirestatebldg.jpg
BallHouse.jpg
AElikething.jpg
Buildingstyle.jpg
adoor.jpg
Elecfan.jpg
Doorz.jpg
Uraniumglassclock.jpg
Artdecotrike.jpg
Multiphone.jpg
Dons.jpg
WayOfTheFuture.jpg
Moreartdeco.jpg
Stylish.jpg
NativeAmerMotif.jpg
Streamlined22.jpg
Camera-deco.jpg
Ryancat.jpg
Zeusorsomebody.jpg
Moretower.jpg
Artdeconinjaturtle.jpg
OLD_LA_1927.jpg
Ventpathlikethis.jpg
Advertizethissucka.jpg
Radio1932.jpg
KillingerUndFreund.jpg
AliensWereStreamlined.jpg
Imaginate.jpg
Art333.jpg
Iconic.jpg
Zephyr.jpg
Grillwork.jpg
FredsAirline.jpg
Big_concrete.jpg
Tv_thingee.jpg
StreamlinedR.jpg
Anotherone.jpg
Thingeeer.jpg
RaptureAuto.jpg
RaptureAuto2.jpg
LooksFamiliar.jpg
BathyX.jpg
AE.jpg
RaptureTeeVee.jpg
FF_Radio.jpg
Flouresc.jpg
Art_deco_window.jpg
ArtDecoBike.jpg
Artdecopedestrianbridge.jpg
Richfieldagain.jpg
Grafzep.jpg
RaptureTrashServiceLogo2.jpg
Tospaceandbeyond.jpg
Bettertrolley.jpg
Recordshop-artdeco.jpg
Eaglelight.jpg
Carbidium.jpg
Pre_deco.jpg
Edifices.jpg
Bathyies.jpg
Art_decogoodmess1933.jpg
RaptureSupermarketBW.jpg
Decoarch.jpg
ActuallyaPCmod.jpg
Artdecoradio2.jpg
ArtDecoRadioX.jpg
ArtdecoDalek.jpg
AReminder.jpg
Decodecoblg.jpg
Artdecolighters.jpg
Tower1938ExhibitionGlasgow.jpg
Decokodak.jpg
CafeSceneRapture.jpg
Horizontalskyscraper.jpg
HoodOrnament.jpg
Citycouncelchamber.jpg
Decothing.jpg
Cohenzzz.jpg
Familiar_GG1.jpg
Com-poo-terr.jpg
ScraperX.jpg
Decocycle.jpg
PramX.jpg
Art_decogoodmess1933.jpg
Thingo.jpg
Decomower.jpg
WelcomeToRapture.jpg
Gogogo.jpg
Blimposphere.jpg
Wtfisthis.jpg
Streamline1937.jpg
Sawthisoverandover.jpg
ZeppelinsReallyArtDeco.jpg
Hardtofitthisinterior.jpg
HowdoyougetthisinsideinRapture.jpg
AtLeastRaptureHadIndoorPlumbing.jpg
Clock666.jpg
Artdecostairwaybannister.jpg
Artdecocorporatedecoration.jpg
Artdecostyling.jpg
Richfieldbldg_LA.jpg
Artdeko.jpg
ComstocksLookSee.jpg
Patterenn.jpg
Artsydecosy.jpg
Mostreamystuff.jpg|More streamlined design typical of the Art Deco era
Ryanmagnate2.jpg
Sandercohensz.jpg
VentsLikeThis.jpg
AutoDeco.jpg
AirlineOfficeNOTHUGIFIED.jpg
IsntThatFishbowlDiner.jpg
Fancytower.jpg
Alternatecolumbia.jpg
ApparentlyEastern.jpg
ThemeBar.jpg
Monarch.jpg
Builthigh.jpg
RyanMagnate.jpg
Hiawatha.jpg
Iconicness.jpg
Iconicmore.jpg
Iconic2.jpg
AEnot.jpg
Streamlinez.jpg
ObliviousToReal.jpg
Zephyr2.jpg
NeededMoreCurved.jpg
SignForIt2.jpg|Neon started in the mid 1920s and became a part of Art Deco
SupposedToBeGlassbrick.jpg|a 'C' grade for effort
InterestingLA.jpg
InterestingLA2.jpg|same place 70 years later
Floor_art.jpg
stop.jpg
slow.jpg
Primaveradeco.jpg
Shorter_bulkier.jpg
Artdecogasstation.jpg
Lamplamp.jpg
Ad_lamp.jpg
Streamline_moderne.jpg
Vegas.jpg
Seaplanez.jpg|The building is still there
Light.jpg
Smallartdecoo.jpg
Sprite_wright_Iannelli.jpg|Pre-Art Deco 1914
Almostbigenoughforafirefightinside.jpg|1930s Era Streetcar
Artdecorefrigerator.jpg
Catstat.jpg
Artdecoentrance.jpg|Bar/Nightclub entrance
Beaconlaundry.jpg|A laundry ...
Artdeco_antenna.jpg|Art Deco Radio Antenna
Sanders.jpg|Another rabbit themed item 
Depressionglassartdeco.jpg|Depression Glass ( mass produced molded glass )
Artdecooo.jpg|Cocktail Shaker
ArtDecoJewelry.jpg
Look_familiar.jpg|TV with the 'tube' on a bracket
DecoBuilding.jpg
Train.jpg
ArtDecoGauge.jpg|Simple decorations on a mundane object
Broad20th.jpg|Streamlined Trains, Circa 1942
Pointything.jpg|Its the iconic Chrysler Building NYC
Fishyterracottapanels.jpg|Terra Cotta decorations could be cast for inexpensive repetition
Dennys.jpg|Art Deco styling
GG1.jpg|streamline Locomotive, circa 1934
Artdeco1935.jpg|Brussels Exposition 1935
Streamlinedradio.jpg
Decolight.jpg|Wall Light
Primaverapavilion1925.jpg
Theres_a_reason.jpg
WhereArtDecoGotItsName.jpg|1925 Exposition in Paris 
Decooooo.jpg
Artdecoblg.jpg
BudgetArtDeco_NOT.jpg|Art Deco could be quite impressive
Automat12.jpg
Streamlined33.jpg
Artdecowatch.jpg
Artdecodrinkingfountain.jpg
Arcadislawnmower.jpg
Museofmusic.jpg|From Hollywood Bowl
Scraper2.jpg
Artdecotimefun.jpg|Tower on A Building
Artdecofan.jpg|Electric Fan
Decoclock2.jpg|Clock
Splicerhuntin.jpg|Art Deco Shotgun - 'The Ryan Special'
WhenthinkaboutitRapnotsoartdec.jpg|Raptures Art Deco buildings were rather plain
Scarab.jpg|Jewelry ( Ancient Egyptian style )
30s_Artdeco_radio.jpg|30s Radio
Vendingmachine.jpg|Vending Machine (ciggies)
Exposition1925_2.jpg|The exposition in France that Art Deco was named after
Streamlinerlounge2.jpg|Railroad Car lounge
Ornatedeco.jpg
Artdecomotorcycle.jpg|30s MotorCycle
Decotrackbumper.jpg|Track Bumper
Artdec1.jpg|Rapture thick building walls
Artdec2.jpg|A proper 'Tallest' building for Rapture
Clock12.jpg|With 'Time being Money' we shoulda seen more of these in Rapture
Lamp12.jpg
Radio1933niceArtdeco.jpg| 1933 Radio Receiver
Raptorino.jpg|Motorized Bicycle
Stainglazz.jpg
ArtDecoTrike.jpg
StealthShip.jpg|An Art Deco Car Ferry used around the Seattle area before WW2
Silvertone1930s.jpg|1930s Radio made of Bakelite plastic
Imaginationlevine.jpg|streamlined modern - more buildings in Rapture like this ?
Artdecofluorescent.jpg|Bathroom Mirror Fluorescent Lights
Amusing222.jpg|These Diesel Punk crafters have alot of skill to make things like this
Rocketshipofitsday.jpg|mid to late 30s
Lammmp.jpg|Art Deco -- big streetlamp (off a bridge)
ArtworkInAsclepius.jpg|Hospital Art
Artdecobuilding_lego.jpg|LEGO Art Deco Building
Artdecogoodness.jpg|Another Radio (Bakelite)https://www.britannica.com/science/Bakelite
Daddycycle.jpg|THY NAME IS STREAMLINED
Morelikely.jpg|Stripped Columns were a common feature on Rapture 'skyscrapers'
A-DecoLite.jpg|Another real world copied asset
Artdecobridgeobelisk.jpg|Stepped obelisk ( Egyptian themes came in in the 1920s with the Tut discoveries )
Dandydentalcabinet.jpg|Handy cabinet for the MMORPG Players lobotomy tools
TheKey.jpg|Very stylish , the cleverness is what's hidden inside
SEC111.jpg|Gots to have Art Deco 2-ton safety doors
Seemsfamiliar.jpg|Streamlining of a Locomotive
Concretearch.jpg|Reinforced Concrete was made use of in Art Deco 
Terracottametalizedglazed.jpg|Terra Cotta
Better1.jpg|art deco handles for all those NON automatic doors in Rapture
Artdecoblg2.jpg|8 story building -- in Rapture this would be taller than the vast majority of building 
Post-zeppy.jpg|I suppose you could call anything Streamlined 'art deco'
RadioDeco.jpg|Mass produced - cast plastic in Art Deco style
THIN_Elevator.jpg|Fancy - probably somewhat exclusive use ?
Winged_deco.jpg
StreamlineLoco.jpg|Streamlined Locomotives were the Bees Knees
Artdecoportable.jpg
Sofia_caught_in_blast.jpg|Sofia Lamb caught in that blast near the end of BS2
Scscscsc.jpg
DelayedDeco.jpg
Lightfixturesdeco.jpg
Artdecominigolf.jpg|1920s and 30s Miniature Golf was a Craze ...
StreamlinedApartmentBuilding.jpg|Reminds me a little of the 'player apartment' in BS2 MultiPlayer
BuildingTower.jpg
Samspades.jpg|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDoYKLQhWKU
Artdecotower.jpg|'Towers' seem to have been a common (largely decorative) element
ArtDecoBuilding.jpg
CouldaBeenAContenda2.jpg
AmethystGlassAshtray.jpg
OnRyansDesk.jpg
5linePhone.jpg|A 5 Line Office Telephone 
Radio1930.jpg|Plastic used where Wood had previously been
EdisonLA.jpg|A building doesn't have to be obscenely tall to be impressive.
Chicago1933.jpg
ArtDecoGlass.jpg
FinksGlimpse.jpg
Artydecopod.jpg|Cast plastic allowed complex curves made in single pieces to mass produce such items
StreamlinedPacificMercury.jpg
Artdecostamp1931.jpg|Stamps - Of Course Art Deco 
Artdecolighthouse.jpg
Stapler.jpg
Cementpattern.jpg|Even stamped into the cement ground
IGotsTheWorld.jpg|Light Stands
40sciggiemachine.jpg|1940s cigarette vending machine - How many brands really could have been in Rapture ?
Vr_streamlined.jpg|Australia had its streamlined trains too. The Atlantic Express traincars were too ornate in their decoration if you compare them to the bulk of these real streamlined pictures.
EdisonThisSucka.jpg
Iconic3.jpg|Design originality takes actual talent
Imitationisgreatestpraise.jpg|The Real Thang
Artdecoradio6.jpg|THIS Radio Console should have been in Ryan's Office 
CohensCocktails.jpg
ArtDecoWhiskey2.jpg|This bottle has the Art Deco Sunrays motif
Decodoor.jpg
Artdecowallpaper2.jpg|Another art deco wallpaper ( yet another player creation Asset type for the MMORPG )
Artdecowallpaper.jpg|Another wallpaper
Artdecopanels2.jpg
DecoBrownie1933.jpg|"Get thos Snappies" ( advertising ditty - that Peach Wilkins got his phrase from )
Artdecobowl.jpg|I could see this on Ryan's Coffe Table
OldDays.jpg|Automobile Culture in the Age of Art Deco 
ArtDeco11.jpg|Fancy Restaurant Front We SHOULD have seen on High Street
ArtDecoLawnMower.jpg|Lawns are Prestige Items in Rapture
TheyBeDeco2.jpg|Art Deco Lighters 
TheyBeDeco1.jpg|Not just fror Tobacco Products ...
SinclairDeluxe2.jpg|Deco style Advertising
NeedArtDecoManholeCovers.jpg|City grating used to protect planted trees
SandersSeat.jpg
CameraDeco.jpg
ArtdDecoMotoCycle.jpg
RoweCigVending1930s.jpg
ArtDecoToTheNines.jpg
Artdecoappliances.jpg
Radiogram.jpg|A piece of furniture combining a record player and a radio
ExteriorLightingSconce.jpg
Artdecochair.jpg
RyansBathroom.jpg|Ryan's Bunker at Central Control could have had a Bathroom like this
Artdeco_skyscraper_radio.jpg
RapSymbol.jpg
Artdecoclock.jpg|Digital, but not electronic
Artdeco1931.jpg
TableJukebox.jpg|Restaurant Table Juke Box ( 7 inch 'Single' records ... )
Dinererer.jpg|Seen in GTA3
SmallLawnsRapture.jpg
ArtDecoManholeCover.jpg|This was in Los Angeles
ArtDeco_Rapture.jpg|A nice Art Deco room
Flashgord.jpg
DecoDouble.jpg
Radiatorcovers33.jpg|Fancy heating radiator cover
ArtDecoBuilding7.jpg
Pantherclock.jpg
VentureMalice.jpg|Even Cartoons Appreciate Art Deco Styling
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Not sure why this would be on a weather site but ....
http://www.weather.com/travel/modern-ruins-abandoned-detroit-photos-20130715
Ryans Nightmare or Elizabeths Future ?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2921349/posts
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2191552/Stunning-1950-images-effects-atomic-bomb-attack-New-York-City.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Tech stuff
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraftwerk_Heimbach
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2009...etro-tech.html
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2012...hip-house.html
Art Deco
http://artdecoarchitecture.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Art+Deco+Buildings
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...Deco-BR-1.html
Replica models
http://www.replicabuildings.com/prodimages/cincinnati-union-terminal-building-replica.jpg
http://www.replicabuildings.com/Building-Replicas.html
Real 1905 era city (SF before the quake)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2_4pnmcE5E&feature=player_embedded#t=2s
A good site for all kinds of ideas
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Zeerust
.
That thing in Disneyland
http://p8.storage.canalblog.com/88/00/671517/47251268.jpg
http://jmag77.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/16/hollywood_tower_hotel_fabuleux.jpg
real thing :
http://www.fivestaralliance.com/files/fivestaralliance.com/nodes/2008/17816/1202_ext_fsa-g.jpg
Steampunk goodies ( Rapture would be Dieselpunk - ish ... )
http://www.steampunkworkshop.com/lcd.shtml
Skyline Rapture was made to resemble ( outside ocean views anyway ) despite the interiors largely being shopping mall sprawls.
http://mdphd.med.nyu.edu/files/directions/images/aerial.jpg
http://www.artfire.com/uploads/product/6/756/85756/3785756/3785756/large/antique_1927_manhattan_island_new_york_usa_black_and_white_aerial_view_rotogravure_a4946972.jpg
Good thing Jack didn't get the Full treatment ...
http://lostro.deviantart.com/art/Delta-Unmasked-203190550
.
.
Another real world Streamlining example - the AE Traincars, and the ridiculous in-game Trolley Cars seen were far too Ornate.
--- --- ---
Machine Age :
The period between WWI and WWII ( when Art Deco became famous ) was called the Machine Age. During this “Machine Age” there were many significant technological advancements, which resulted in mass production of a variety of technological devices and products for most of society. The economy got better during the “Machine Age”, increasing significantly due to the industry of technology. Art Deco designs played a significant part in this economy and society. Much of Ryan's Industrial empire was build during that period.
--- --- ---
"Streamlining" of various machines was part of Art Deco. 
Those 'Speed Lines' were even put on buildings.
Indirect Lighting (interiors assists Game Engine Lighting effects)
Towers on Mayan (combs) temples/pyramids have similar reasons as the towers on Art Deco buildings - To look taller/more-impressive - a decoration ( Mayans would have lit up THEIR buildings if they had had. Electricity ... They probably DID - with torches and bonfires ).
Art Deco was known for its 'glued on' pre-manufactured details ( 'Terra Cotta' ceramic put ontop of brick or concrete ). Terra Cotta could have enamel coating for Bright Colors.
--- --- ---
Art Deco Put on Mass Produced Consumer Goods
--- --- ---
== Things that are NOT 'Art Deco' ==
NOT ART DECO - Expressionism/Expressionistic - avant-garde style before the First World War
The term "Art Deco" wasn't even coined until the 1960s, and what the term refers to encompasses a broad range of attributed characteristics, some which existed before the 1925 Exposition which that name signifies.
NotArtDeco.jpg|Art Nouveau
PennStation1910.jpg|Beaux Art, Old Penn Station NYC
Pennsylvaniastationnyc.jpg|Penn Station exterior
Bradburybuilding1893.jpg|Bradbury Building
Allfake.jpg
LightFixtureFrankLloydWright1903.jpg|THIS Frank Lloyd Wright bit Was 20 years before official 'Art Deco'
Angel-predeco.jpg|1906 decoration created BEFORE the period that is defined as 'art deco'(1925).
1910Train.jpg|Streamlining - retrofitted onto older equipment
PasadenaBridge.jpg|Beaux Arts bridge 1912 (Pasadena)
SitS_PuzzleBox.jpg|Art Nouveau - The SitS Puzzle Box
Normandie.jpg|Art Nouvea - Decorative panel from the SS Normandie
--- --- ---
Its a 'Gyp' !! :
WE Need more Egyptian themed stuff ( was popular in the 1920s - Ryan's formative years, and used in some Art Deco ) ... More Egyptian 'mythology' names for stuff ( following the mythic theme ).
--- --- ---
How Things Work Out :
That many of the famous Art Deco Architects 1920s-40s were Socialists who mostly built Houses and Buildings for Rich people. Some who designed public urban housing ( for cities/towns ) produced things resembling prison cell blocks ( inexpensive slab cement building methods came in big around that time ). 
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LA Noire Has About a Magnitude More Art Deco :
That games setting being a recreation of Los Angeles in the late 40s.
That game has open outdoor movement which allowing seeing the Landmark Buildings, when we (in BioShock) have only a few limited (much reused) Rapture cityscape views out windows to see.
LA Noire is more limited on the interiors, but better proportioned, when BioShock's interiors are widened out due to movement limitations and to facilitate gun-battles.
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Term "Art Deco"
From "Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes", a 1925 exposition in Paris, France.
The Germans were not invited to it.
The President of the United States didn't think America had anything to Exhibit but sent many experts to observe.
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The Art Deco in (Rapture) Game was Pretty Mediocre/Spotty :
Setting aside the Asset rendering limitations for a 'Game' targeting middle range of Player Computers and Consoles ... ( There was extra wide spacings for 'combat' and alot of missing furniture to make maneuvering easier ).
Maybe Rapture reflects additional later post-30/post-WW2 period style changes ( not everything HAS to be Art Deco ), though the City's theme was 1920s-30s which were Ryan's formative years ( and 1920s Art Deco was pre-socialist-FDR-isms ).
Rich people ( ie- The "Olympus Heights Crowd" ) could/would have had better Art Deco ( ceilings, etc ... even if all their furniture was stolen/burned for heat by BS1 times ) - the MMORPG won't be an as limited rendered environment as a game released in 2007 ( game graphics are always tailored to some median graphics capabilities of the Player demographics ).
Asset/render running budget of the MMORPG games may still preclude extravagant detailing, but many real uses of Art Deco employed repeated textures of stenciled patterns, common duplication of decorative prefab sections. Frequently accessed places like the Player's own residence, and business, and 'bank' and probably the City Hall ( where more than a little of the Player's time is spent ) can be 'enhanced'. Some tricks can be employed to delay full viewing, until the full asset detail can be loaded into memory.
The amount of quality Art Deco Assets initially probably will be a problem ( eventually solved by Player Creators over time ).
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What is this ??? An Art Deco mini-skyscraper for Cats ??? Actually it is a celphone tower (transponder set) located ontop an OLD Art Deco building ( keeping to the building's motif ).
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Very simple decorative motif for a sign ( I keep talking about Player Created Assets ), and the lettering shape would probably be the most difficult part to get right. There probably would be at least one provided custom Art Deco font ( Heh !!! Yet another Asset type for Players to create and add to the game ... )
With so much of Rapture being Concrete, something of this sort probably would be used for mundane signage ( default street and building names ).
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