In the architectural world, just as in the worlds of food, clothing, and design, as styles come together we have what’s called “fusion”. In fusion, often disparate elements come together to create a cohesive union, and sometimes seemingly harmonious elements come together in a not so harmonious way. In terms of architecture, a truly interesting blend happened in the beginning of the 20th century, melding together the elements of Spanish Mission revival style with the hip sleekness of Art Deco.

Many times, it can seem as though harmonious counterparts join together in a not so harmonious way. A very captivating combination occurred in the early 20th century which molded together the elements of Spanish Mission revival style with the trendy style of Art Deco.

Art Deco historical buildings are distinguished for its ground-breaking, lustrous, prominent, geometric poise. Zigzags, cubes, and revolutionary chic came together to convey the machine age in the United States. In the roaring twenties and early thirties, the jazzy Art Deco architecture was swept up the nation.

In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter and his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, thrilled the world with their discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Egypt-chic soon swept the nation and influenced the design of clothes, jewelry, furniture and graphic design. And of course, architecture.

In 1922, the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamen took place. It was an exciting time in the world when it was unearthed by the archaeologist Howard Carter and his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon. Egypt-chic styles swept the nation. It not only influenced architecture, but also the design of clothes, jewelry, furniture and graphic design. A new style that was also emerging at the same time, was the Spanish Mission Revival style. These two different styles were merged together in accord when Hollywood actors in California were enthusiastically requesting that their homes be built in the chic Spanish style. However, California is not the only place where you can view the remarkable blending of these two styles.

Some marvelous Art Deco and Spanish Mission Walks Hawke’s Bay can be found in Napier, New Zealand. The commercial heart of Napier was destroyed after a devastating earthquake occurred in 1931. Yet the city would soon be regenerated with the newest architectural style. This would lead to it becoming one of the hottest cities. The following styles can be viewed while in Hawke’s Bay: Spanish mission, Spanish Classic, and Art Deco — all side by side.

Additional places in the United States where you can see this great mixture of styles and iconographies is in St. Louis. Take for example its famous historical building, a lovely Spanish Revival building in St. Louis. The architect T.P. Barnett, was the son of George I. Barnett, who was another famous architect in St. Louis.

The T.P. Barnett structure is rather interesting because of its Art Deco influences. This makes it one of the most unique buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. While you are in town, you must visit this Spanish Revival building on Washington Avenue.