This era was a consequence to the Great Depression. Gone was the wealth and luxury of the age of Art Deco. Ornamentation was dramatically reduced  and in may cases was completely replaced with simple bold lines. The strong sharp angles became simple curves, the unique media’s used were replaced with simple media’s like iron, cement and glass.
The word “austere” speaks of a period of great reverence and perhaps, cold in nature. However this Art Form in its unique nature is quiet and thought provoking. It’s simple nature is unpretentious yet it’s modernism is quite sleek.