![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUuR9BKXMvfBg5nYahU8vYYqHvOBoQ7SP3ngtC6PNUZFDWQYCJ-idxyWTnGF1zs6dxlw_Gq0DXL6iDsbczgErZXfEK5DG7ad_YwRX2PiHcssQWLUAbJpFQ3GwbKvSEAoiA35rl0cG_-uL/s200/img1.jpg) |
Viollet-le-Duc Sketch |
Art Nouveau, in terms of
architecture, is something that can be described as organic and ornamental with
its use of undulating, asymmetrical lines which were often are an imitation of
plants, flowers, and the like. Along with the elaborate ornament, Art Nouveau
had a way of creating unity between the aesthetics of a design and structure, much like the
style of Viollet-le-Duc. Many figures from the Art Nouveau period as well as
the period itself are important to the creation of Modern Architecture because it
gave rise to a new form of thinking. This new form of thinking during the Art Nouveau
can be linked to the attempt to replace classical architecture. There were a
number of people that fell into the Art Nouveau style and pushed boundaries and
ideas, but, three figures that not only did just this but also paved the road
into the Modern Architecture style are Hector Guimard, Hand Van der Veld, and
Victor Horta.
Victor
Horta is the first of outstanding architects from the Art Nouveau period and
happens to hail from the birth place of Art Nouveau itself, Belgium. Curtis
wrote in
Modern Architecture: Since 1900 that,
“…the architecture of Victor Horta, which seemed a three-dimensional equivalent
to the painters’ two-dimensional linear inventiveness." Horta, who studied under a neoclassical architect,
went on to explore the relationship between the natural world and architecture
as a whole. It showed in many of Horta’s designs from the exterior to the
interior. An example of this which shows Horta’s involvement in the Art Nouveau
period and his exploration with organic forms and structure is his first major
work, the Tassel House in Brussels.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6PlKUexcxavovKBgc5ESYy3507WhchNAqdV0JShpHYx9gjBs1AYjuWoX6ZJKnlxqGpJjhcfJWUDPYbE7zsthOWjUGm3nLaxnLgRKNopxztp5pgxBSCoWqB84iyoYo360_bwbD21fYJGo/s320/horta1.jpg) |
Tassel House - Horta |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAR7qJjQat54W_cUlgTRTb-6qJ88_w9ei_389GhnrIdeAR57RY_2YwGXMc-gTiEzS3ChY4XNY5B3MPH8_haXGsaUSKsQAFpLM_sZmdB9hJbFRJK7Mp9bMIFiNkcFHwm4fOw-oStPhYOqu/s200/horta2.jpg) |
Staircase of Tassel House |
Although Horta’s style seems very free and organic, there is
always a sense of formal order in his plans that can be found. Victor’s experimentation
with from, structure, and most of all the use of steel is one reason he can be
considered as a precedent for the Modern style.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnfSufwcM83PVbH1-AgV1Q16Mfn9RduzltynsH4cxNG3pAcuHQxhpXS_C7CqKplqGKJI9Q4PLJnFC1hJpVLnbXteo-MNWQGcV91Hi2V9dPuJUaatQyXcJeVN2NoycxutuMxB5HiqowBgW/s200/velde1.jpg) |
Garden in Kalmhout- Van de Velde |
Next,
is Henry Van De Velde who is not only known as an architect but also a painter.
Having a background in painting, with nature as the subject of many of his
works, it was natural for Henry to fall into the Art Nouveau category. Van De
Velde got his start in architecture by designing a house for himself near
Brussels. Not only did Van De Velde paint and design buildings, but he also
designed furniture. It was his furniture designs for Paris art galleries that are
responsible for bringing Art Nouveau to France (all-art.org). Van De Velde’s
major contributions to modern style were through his teachings in Germany as
well as his depth in interior and furniture designs at Boekentornen University
Library in Antwerp.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXvXK0lMlKjv0FlUg61h-YGHNys8m6ulLOMN9x3QwdFHMYur90pMvKqBBeqU2WA5jw03HN7Msaa83uuMXj8xpnOatOMS00TNVLvdXyu4RLNPirDk3QhWbMQoY8UdVY4WFpowoq6F4h0JV/s200/velde2.jpg) |
Banquette - Van de Velde |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIADpnqgthPc0vtsXj1WyUthf5vEiPCqEFy3FU9G4NDBQ8aQoj-P2eJWQlQEyhgHXuuon1NftH92H2vJcZixmf1-O6tnorVtT29fKiVQ3yFXyWj64mQHRT8_Sa-LEyGY74VH15oxMt1x_d/s200/boekentoren5.jpg) |
Boekentoren University Library - Van de Velde |
Last but certainly not least,
Hector Guimard was part of the French Art Nouveau movement. Much like the two
designers mentioned before, Guimard paid special attention to the organic form
and the ornament in his designs. In comparison to Horta, Guimard was a pioneer
of the Art Nouveau style in France and got inspiration from
Viollet-le-Duc. If fact, as Colquhoun
states in his text, “… his allegiance to Viollet-le-Duc was even stronger than
that of Horta.” Some of Hector’s earlier works were based off of illustrations
made by Viollet-le-Duc. Also, Guimard
designed and was well known for the entrances of the Paris Metro. It is evident
in this designs that Hector was making a strong analogy between metal structure
and plant form.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVhxnkkZXU5t_MSPHe6AQzX24o8pKOJ4JYwPDvzPmt9aUKaTo0n0kxfxbW4i9ZySRZ1RgaPdN_jkgXUZVB7XedVWLsuMKrhVyDfKVLx3iRL5AqFvKbL2RjbNBJvs3ul0ymGV_pmpD6ihm/s200/paris-metro-hector-guimard.jpg) |
Paris Metro - Guimard |
It was not long before the time of
Hector Guimard, Henry Van de Velde, and Victor Horta that many aspects of a
building such as structure, ornament, furniture, and even interior design were
considered to be separate parts of a design. In many cases, different ideas
were used in the design of each, but, the Art Nouveau movement which was
defined by the style and thinking of these designers brought all of these
aspects together into a single philosophy. The idea of using structure and ornament
together or even using structure as ornament is a characteristic of the Modern
style and is seen time and again. It goes without saying that these men were
design pioneers of their time and may have been the same for the future.
Well done V. I suggest that you go quickly through the additional article readings and extract bits to explore the tensions and affinities in the work of these three men. How is their work viewed by Benjamin and Calquhoun in furthering modern architecture? How did their work challenge and embrace the socio-cultural context of Belgium and France during this time?
ReplyDeleteExpanding on the projects shown would also entice the reader to explore further. Including references and links to sources and other sites would also be a great way to do this.
Nice writing! :)
Deborah