Influential American designer Paul Evans experimented with mirrored and fractured surfaces in the late 1960s, leading to his renowned Cityscape series. Originating from the Evans studio’s exploration of chromed steel, research and development for the series began in 1970 and lasted six months. Prior to this, Evans employed a constructivist approach to design, focusing on geometrical modules built from discrete metal plates, welded together, and embellished. This process required significant technical competence and precision. The Cityscape furniture, characterized by deluxe visual appeal and exceptional craftsmanship, was described by Evans as “an elegant and unconventional statement, the ultimate in high fashion contemporary furniture.”

Despite his background in metalwork, the Cityscape series reflects influences from the Art Deco period of the 1920s and ’30s. Evans was inspired by Viennese Art Deco designer Paul Frankl, known for designs resembling New York skyscrapers. The mirrored surfaces of the Cityscape pieces evoke a skyline, with other shapes contributing to an urban aesthetic. Additionally, the series drew inspiration from the high-contrast compositions of black-and-white movies from the Art Deco era, where Hollywood set designers used materials like mirrors, chromed steel, high-polish lacquer, and silver-gilt wood to create reflective surfaces.