So what is art deco architecture?
Conservation specialist Angela Ngai said art deco, a term from the French Arts Decoratifs, could be traced to the 1910s when French archaeologists brought artefacts back from Egypt.
The impact on architecture first emerged in 1925 when the World Fair's Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes was held in Paris. The style emphasised internationalism, with elements drawn from Asia or Africa. The movement typically used geometric and distinct patterns, with sculptured decorations, she said.
'The [advocates] have a vision that architectural forms should be something common and owned by people of all cultures,' Ms Ngai said.
But such buildings were often stylishly decorated and became costly during the recession and war years. The art deco movement gradually declined in the 1940s.
Art deco architecture became popular in Hong Kong as it gave an impression of being modern, civilised and 'international', said Ms Ngai.