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Exploring Italy's Secrets: Why did Terrazzo suddenly become popular in 20th-century America?
As design styles continued to evolve, Terrazzo, a floor and wall treatment process that combines multiple materials, gradually became a favorite in the American architectural community, especially in the 1930s. This article will explore Terrazzo's origins, technological innovations, and why it is so popular in the United States.
History of Terrazzo
Terrazzo's story can be traced back to the mosaic art of ancient Egypt, but its modern roots can be found in Italy. The 18th century "Venetian pavement" (pavimento alla Veneziana) and the more economical "macadam pavement" (seminato) directly influenced the current Terrazzo technology.
Terrazzo was first introduced to the United States in the 1890s, but it did not become popular until the 1920s.
Technological innovation and popular factors
Two notable technical innovations played a key role in the Terrazzo's popularity: the divider bar and the electric sander. In 1924, L. Del Turco and Bros. invented the divider strip, which allowed Terrazzo to have greater room for expansion after installation, greatly reducing the risk of cracks. This improvement not only enhances the durability of the Terrazzo, but also provides more flexibility in design.
The use of separators makes the color and shape design of Terrazzo more refined.
The Terrazzo Phenomenon in the United States
With the rise of Art Deco and Modernist styles, the demand for Terrazzo increased dramatically between 1920 and 1940. The architectural design of this period preferred to use straight lines or curves to enhance the decorative effect, and the diversity of Terrazzo perfectly matched this demand. In 1931, the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Organization was founded, marking the professionalization of this industry.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a well-known example of Terrazzo application. Since 1958, the names of celebrities have been displayed to the public through Terrazzo star-shaped tiles.
Evolution of production processes and materials
Terrazzo production is done by hand by craftsmen and involves multiple layers of materials, and the rise of modern Terrazzo is inseparable from the use of polyester resin. Compared to traditional cementitious Terrazzo, polyester-based Terrazzo offers a wider range of color options, is lighter in weight and is quicker to install, making it an ideal choice for many interior spaces.
Contrasting Mosaic Art
Although Terrazzo is derived from the mosaic art form, its technical sophistication lies in the even distribution of small pieces. The design using separator strips is not only beautiful, but also effectively prevents impact damage to the material. This ingenious balance is the reason why Terrazzo is so popular.
Future Outlook
Nowadays, Terrazzo is not only used in commercial spaces, but is also loved by more and more families. With the rise in sustainability and environmental awareness, Terrazzo made from recycled materials has also found a place in the market.
With the evolution of Terrazzo as the background, we can't help but wonder: In future architectural design, what other materials or technologies will awaken and change our living space and visual experience?
