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Art Deco Dublin: Townsend St. Flats Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

Cuilcagh: The cache owner is not responding to issues with this geocache, so I must regretfully archive it.

Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

Cuilcagh - Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)

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Hidden : 9/7/2008
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:



This cache is one in a series highlighting some of Dublin's finest examples of Art Deco architecture. The design movement, which was popular roughly between the two world wars, never had an enormous impact in Ireland. Nevertheless many beautiful buildings were constructed along Art Deco lines, and while many have been demolished, there are still several fine examples to be seen in modern Dublin. This series of caches will bring you to several examples, but is not intended to be a comprehensive list.

The structure of Art Deco is based on mathematical geometric shapes. It was widely considered to be an eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism, being influenced by a variety of sources. Among them were the so-called "primitive" arts of Africa, Ancient Egypt, and Aztec Mexico, as well as machine-age or streamline technology such as modern aviation, electric lighting, the radio, the ocean liner and the skyscraper.

Art Deco design influences were expressed in fractionated, crystalline, faceted forms of decorative Cubism and Futurism. Other popular themes in Art Deco were trapezoidal, zigzagged, geometric, and jumbled shapes, which can be seen in many early pieces. These were the buildings of the future: sleek, geometric, dramatic. With their cubic forms and zigzag designs, art deco buildings embraced the machine age.

The flats at Townsend street are a fine example of how low cost housing can be constructed with an eye on style. In the 1930s, City Housing Architect H A Simms was attracted by Deco and Dutch Moderne styles for apartment complexes. The resulting corporation flat complexes that he designed still look good today, especially when compared to many flat complexes constructed since the 1930s.

This cache is a nano. Stealth is required in this urban location, and please be aware of the many people who pass by this busy location.


Sources -

Art Deco Ireland
Wikipedia
Retropolis
Architecture.com

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Envyvat Pbeare

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)