What we call “fusion” can even be found in the architectural world in the form of styles when they come together. Just as it is found in the worlds of clothing. food, and design. With fusion, many contrasting elements come together to create an organized merger.

Many times, it can seem as though harmonious counterparts join together in a not so harmonious way. A very captivating combination occurred in the early 20th century which molded together the elements of Spanish Mission revival style with the trendy style of Art Deco.

Art Deco historical buildings are distinguished for its ground-breaking, lustrous, prominent, geometric poise. Zigzags, cubes, and revolutionary chic came together to convey the machine age in the United States. In the roaring twenties and early thirties, the jazzy Art Deco architecture was swept up the nation.

In 1922, the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamen by archaeologist Howard Carter and his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, was an exciting time in the world. Egypt-chic styles soon swept the nation and influenced not only architecture, but also the design of clothes, furniture, jewelry, and graphic design.

An additional style that was emerging in the same time period was the Spanish Mission Revival style. These two dissimilar styles found a way to merge together in harmony as Hollywood actors in California were feverishly requesting that their homes be built in the chic Spanish style. Yet, California isn’t the only place where you can see the striking union of these two styles.

Some marvelous Art Deco and Spanish Mission Walks Hawke’s Bay can be found in Napier, New Zealand. The commercial heart of Napier was destroyed after a devastating earthquake occurred in 1931. Yet the city would soon be regenerated with the newest architectural style. This would lead to it becoming one of the hottest cities. The following styles can be viewed while in Hawke’s Bay: Spanish mission, Spanish Classic, and Art Deco — all side by side.

There are also places in the United States that show this great mixture of styles and iconographies. Take for example a lovely Spanish Revival building in St. Louis, by the architect T.P. Barnett, son of George I. Barnett, another famous architect in St. Louis.

The T.P. Barnett structure is particularly interesting because it also contains Art Deco influences, which makes it one of the most unique buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. You need to visit this Spanish Revival building on Washington Avenue, the next time you are in town.