Deco by the bay

by Michael F. Crowe

Illustrated with over 150 color plates of exteriors and interiors, Deco by the Bay takes us on an inspiring tour of the Bay Area, and it shows us how to appreciate the buildings as a whole, as well as the details of Art Deco ornament that provide so much lively design interest - zigzags, chevrons, rays, speed lines, stepped arches, and stylized floral and natural forms. In addition to an in-depth discussion of the primary Deco buildings and their architects, Deco by the Bay includes separate chapters on plaster and terra cotta, which were important components of Deco architecture. The final section of the book is devoted to nine walking tours - illustrated with maps and photographs - that lead us through the following districts in San Francisco: Marina, Pacific Heights, Downtown, South of Market Street, Upper Market Street; and also through Downtown Alameda, Downtown Berkeley, and Uptown and Downtown Oakland.