“What if houses could whisper tales of a bygone era?” That’s exactly what Maison d’habitation Art-Déco does in Lille. This isn’t just a building it is a portal to the stylish 1920s.
Let’s step back in time to the Roaring Twenties. Art Deco was all the rage. After the First World War, people wanted glamour. They also wanted optimism. The Maison d’habitation Art-Déco embodies this spirit perfectly.
The Art Deco style excites as much now as it did 100 years ago. Northern France really embraced rebuilding after being bombed heavily during the First World War. The “mad years” were France’s answer to the Roaring Twenties.
This house is a prime example of Art Deco architecture in Lille. You’ll notice the clean lines. Also notice the geometric shapes. These are hallmarks of the style. The building’s design reflects a sense of modernity. It also reflects a desire for beauty.
The belfry in Lille is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is another example of Art Deco design. You can appreciate the vertical lines and orange-red bricks of the structure best from the bottom.
Many Art Deco treasures can be found in the Hauts-de-France region near Lille. These include former mining towns and seaside resorts. Lens railway station is a fine example of 1920s architecture. It has a clock tower and a hall decorated in superb mosaics.
Another striking example of Art Deco is the swimming pool complex in Bruay-la-Buissière. It imitates portholes. The boiler room is shaped like a chimney. Solariums are reminiscent of ship’s rails. It was built in a “liner” style.
The villa Cavrois in Croix is another masterpiece. It was built between 1929 and 1932 for the industrialist Paul Cavrois. Robert Mallet-Stevens, a major figure in modern French architecture, designed it.
Look closely at the Maison d’habitation Art-Déco. Imagine the parties once held here. Picture flapper dresses and jazz music. Envision people dancing the Charleston.
The Maison d’habitation Art-Déco was built in the 20th century. It stands as a testament to a time of great change. It also stands as a time of artistic expression. The house was listed as a historical monument on July 28, 2000.
Take a moment to appreciate the details of this building. Notice the windows. See the ornamentation. Feel the history. The Maison d’habitation Art-Déco is more than just a house. It is a piece of Lille’s cultural heritage. It is also a reminder of the joy of Art Deco.