Architectural Differences Between a Greenbelt House and My House



Notice the decoration that signifies art deco around the windows of this Greenbelt house

Although traditionally used for commercial structures and apartment buildings, art deco was the style chosen for Greenbelt homes. Popular from 1925 until 1940, art deco consists of "linear, hard-edged ornamentation applied to a smooth concrete, stucco, or stone wall surface" (Glenn). Doorways and windows are framed by zigzag, floral motifs, geometric or linear patterns.

Many present day suburban houses, like my nineteen-year old home, rely on the adaptable split level design. Introduced in the 1950s, this model is based on three main levels. The first level consists of a family entertainment area and garage. The second level is made up of the kitchen and dining room area. The last level contains all of the sleeping areas. Since this design is so versatile, many suburban houses of this design vary in size and shape. For instance, my house differs from the main model in that it also includes a basement, a garage (connected to the first level), and a living room (on the second level). The one thing that is constant within split level houses are the entrances, which all lead into the living room and a short flight of stairs that direct people to the other levels of the house.

After entering the Greenbelt Museum, the rectangular facade of the house gives way to a combined area for the dining room and living room on the left, a kitchen on the right, and a staicase to the upper level at the back of the house. Both the living room and the kitchen are small compared to their cousins of today, but the kitchen has probably changed the most.

Initially designed to emphasize utility, the kitchen allowed the lady of the house just enough space to cook a meal. Counter drawers were filled with kitchen utensils, the refrigerator also served as a countertop for the toaster, and a vacuum cleaner was stored in the closet area. With about twenty square feet of actual floor space for one to move around in, the allotted space was comfortable for no more than two workers at a time - dawdlers beware!

Today's kitchen allows much more activity. Equipped with enough room to allow an informal dining area, the kitchen has been transformed from a utility room to the heart of the house. Just as Mannan Dasti points out, as kitchens evolved, so, too, did their accessories. Furniture and appliances are constanly changing, becoming ever more stylish and comfortable. With more space and technological advances, how has our behavior change?

History of Greenbelt
Effects of Architectural Differences and Technological Advances
Citation

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