The Art Deco architectural style emerged at a Paris exhibition in 1925 and subsequently disseminated globally. Its distinctive features include geometric ziggurats, sweeping curves, sunburst designs, nautical elements, and circular or turreted rooftops. This style influenced diverse design fields, including architecture, interiors, furniture, fonts, and cinema halls internationally.
Atul Kumar, founder of the Art Deco Mumbai Trust, notes that the style symbolized optimism and efficiency, benefiting from new building materials like concrete. He describes Art Deco as possessing a classicism and simplicity distinct from the preceding Victorian Gothic design.
Mumbai is recognized for its extensive collection of Art Deco buildings, with some estimates placing it as the world's largest documented collection, while others rank it second to Miami. Unlike Miami, where Art Deco was largely associated with leisure, in Mumbai, the style was applied across various building typologies, including schools, cinemas, bungalows, petrol stations, and banks. Many structures are not widely identified as Art Deco by their occupants.
Introduced during Mumbai's colonial period, Art Deco was adapted by Indian architects such as Chimanlal Master, Laxman Vishnu Sathe, and Gopalji Mulji Bhuta. These architects integrated local design patterns and elements, including those inspired by Mughal architecture and ocean liners. The British initially characterized Art Deco as 'lesser architecture.' Subsequently, South Mumbai's skyline developed into a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Gothic, and Art Deco structures.
Currently, Mumbai faces challenges related to the preservation of its Art Deco heritage due to rapid urban development. While over 1,500 Art Deco buildings have been documented, approximately 70 are officially protected. The Art Deco Mumbai Trust engages with property owners, offering pro-bono repair and restoration guidance to mitigate redevelopment threats. These restoration efforts have reportedly led to increased real estate value for the properties involved.