d by images borrowed from nature, by swirling, sinuous lines and by a devotion to craftsmanship. The moved was formed, in part, to protest an increasingly mechanized world, so organize forms were prized." Art Nouveau embraced an ideal that art should be a part of everyday living, from architecture to furniture design. According to Craven (1), Art Nouveau buildings often exhibit the following characteristics:
. Extensive use of arches and curved forms
. Curving, plant-like embellishments
Art Deco, in contrast to the inspiration of nature exhibited in Art Nouveau designs, celebrated the increased capacity and capabilities of man in the machine age. Art Deco was an opulent style whose lavish designs were a reaction to the "forced austerity" imposed by World War I. A rich and festive style of design, Art Deco landmarks include the Golden Gate bridge and the Empire State Building. In contrast to the flowing and sinuous lines of Art Nouveau, Art Deco design reflects a Cubist approach to architecture. Yet Art Deco also reflected the increased power of man over nature due to the machine age. As one architecture historian notes, "Art Deco was employed extensively through America's train stations in the 1930s, designed to reflect the modernity and efficiency of the train" (Art Deco 2). Indeed, Art Deco buildings include many skyscrapers that reflect the increased capacity of human beings to control their environment.
If nature most inspired the designs of Art Nouveau, then ancient civilizations often inspired the designs of Art Deco buildings. The discove
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