Art Deco in Durban

Durban, South Africa has a notable number of buildings built in the Art Deco style popularised in the US in the 1930s.^[1] Durban-style Art Deco buildings share the characteristic bold colours, geometric shapes and glamorous ornamentals of the global style, while incorporating local narratives and motifs.^[2]

The styling of Art Deco buildings in Durban reflects the different backgrounds of the city's population.^[3] Some buildings, such as Quadrant House on the Victoria Embankment, emphasise the city's maritime background. Other buildings, such as Ebrahim Court and the Essop Moosa Building, are built in a style reflecting the interests of Durban's Muslim traders in the 1930s.^[3] Some of the buildings pay allegiance to Durban's long association with the British Empire, such as Empire Court and Dominion Court.