Bifur Architecture Analysis

In addition to combining graphic patterns with traditional forms, typography became more simple compared to flourishing typefaces of the past. Letters needed to be more legible to fit the needs of signage, newspapers, and advertisements. Typefaces appeared bolder and larger, and designers began experimenting with san serif styles. Most typefaces were uncomplicated, low-waisted and mono-stroke which reflected the sophistication and glamour of the time period. An important figure in art deco graphic design was French graphic artist, A.M. Cassandre. He drew inspiration from the san serif texts of the Bauhaus movement and ancient Egyptian styes to create bold yet simple designs. In his famous typeface, “Bifur,” he simplifies capital letters by

For example, the Fuller Building, a forty-story, 492-foot tall skyscraper designed by Walker and Gillette in 1929, shows graphic design elements that contribute to its architecture. Although it is a conservative art deco design, it is still called a “jazz-age testament.” The building can be divided into three parts: lower, middle, and upper. The lower section uses a classic art deco materials like black granite which makes the building appear luxurious and expensive. Its entrance is a monumental three story tall art deco masterpiece, framed with white pilasters and topped with sculpted bas-relief designed by American Modernist Elie Nadelman. The sculpture exemplifies how art deco was centered on luxury by showing two stylized construction workers holding a clock in front of the New York City skyline (See Fig. 4). In addition, graphic symbols in the middle section’s facade, such as zig-zag patterns under the windows, contribute to its art deco style. The top is finished with a classic art deco element, a ziggurat with Mesoamerican geometric patterns in black glazed terra

It was the one of the Great Depression’s largest projects developed by private enterprises, and it employed about 75,000 workers. The complex is like a small city in the middle of Manhattan. It stretches for 12 acres and consists of 19 commercial buildings. One of the most notable art deco buildings in Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall whose interiors represent all the luxury and expensiveness of the style. Visitors can spot Radio City Music Hall by its iconic neon marquee that wraps around the building’s corner (See Fig. 13). The giant neon sign was added so that the building could be seen from the neighboring Broadway theatre district. The typeface is simple, but looks elegant in its even letter-spacing. The all capitalized letters of Radio City are made of multiple lines, which look similar A.M. Cassandre’s Bifur or other multi-stroke art deco typefaces. The sign stands out on the flat limestone building. Figure 13: Radio City Music Hall