On our art deco walk through downtown Naiper this was the first stop.  The flat roof, speed lines, and pink power symbol  are characteristic of art deco.   Art deco was a common type of architecture in the 1930s.  Naiper is considered to have one of the most complete collections of styles common to art deco in the world.

  This is the ASB bank in town.  It has Maori influences in this common art deco style.  In February 1931 Naiper was destroyed by an Earthquake and then there were fires.  The buildings had previously all been in the Victorian style but everyone wanted to have the city rebuilt in a modern style.

  Inside the bank the art deco architecture continues.  The black, red, and white painting is traditional of Maori art work.

  After the Earthquake all of the downtown streets were renamed with names of famous contemporary authors.

  However, originally, right after the Earthquake, streets were labeled like this...not with signs on poles.

  Throughout the walk our guide showed pictures of Naiper before the quake, right after the quake, and comparison pictures.  These are showing how before the Earthquake wires were above ground on polls and now they are all buried.

  Even the person hole covers are decorated in art deco styles.

  This was also a common style of the 1930s, called the Spanish Mission.

  Also commonly done at the time was to put the year of completion.  This building also has speed lines and power symbols.  It is common in Napier to keep the original name of the buildings because of the historical value.

  Windows and doorways were also very decorative.  The art deco architecture is characterized by geometric shapes as well.

  Many buildings have beveled corners because it strengthens the structure and makes it easier to see around corners (during the Earthquake there were several run-ins).  In Naiper all buildings are required to not exceed 2 stories.

  There are several art deco features shown here.  The name of the building has also remained even though it has changed hands.