The History of World Expositions |
The Chicago World Exposition 1933 & 1934
The grounds were immersed in radiant colours in order to enhance their futuristic nature. Josef Urban, a stage set designer and interior decorator from New York, designed a colour scheme in response to the forms of the architecture, landscape and lighting which not only aimed to increase the effect of individual buildings but also to result in a thought-out colour topography for the grounds as a whole. 24 brilliantly intensive colours (one green, two blue-greens, six blues, two yellows, three reds, four oranges, two greys as well as white, black, silver and gold) were used extensively and, in their combinations, indicated the different functions of the buildings. They were supposed to help fairgoers find their way around the grounds. The architects of the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893 had already dreamed of colourfully painted pavilions before financial reasons compelled them to opt for the White City. The modern, colourful implementation of this idea in 1933 was very controversial and gave rise to considerable debate. Despite the colour guidance and the relatively uniform construction of the buildings many users missed a harmonious connection and clear design of the grounds. |
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EXPOSEEUM - The Museum of World Exhibitions, Hanover, Expo Plaza 11 Open every Sunday from 11 to 16 |
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