Week 3

 Art Nouveau (1890-1910)

Gina Christopher

Art Nouveau literally means “new art”. Designers during this time rejected almost all past design styles and classical design (Victorian style). Designers during this time believed that their inspiration should be taken from nature, flowers, vines, birds, etc. This style reminds me of expressionism. Art Nouveau pieces were highly ornamented and focused on natural/ curvilinear forms. This period used modern materials such as iron and glass to create some stunning pieces and modern techniques such as, industrial production and electricity. There is also a strong relationship with the fine arts here, many paintings and sculptures mimicking the use of natural flowing elements. I personally love this period due to the high volume of curves and transparency. 

My favorite architecture/ design/ art 

Hotel Solvay 

This hotel designed by Victoria Horta is filled floor to ceiling with intricate ornamentation. The detailing from the hand rails to the ceiling is truly amazing. I love the curvilinear bar tracery in the ceiling and the implement of art throughout the building. 

Casa Batllo 

Casa Batllo is the first building on my go to see list. Antoni Gaudi is truly a shape shifter. I love the exterior facades composition of colorful glass and tiles. I also love the free forming shapes in the interior such as the columns, stair cases, and hallways. I also love that the windows are free forming as well. I really want to go here!

Hotel van Etvelde 

This is another hotel designed by Victor Horta. I like this building because it’s like a surprise. The exterior doesn’t seem very intriguing, but once you get inside there’s a beautiful double height seating space/foyer. The ceiling piece here is very attractive to my eye.

Current Applications 

Art Nouveau seen in design today 

(Whimsical curves and iron detailing)

One step further 

Antoni Gaudi 

Antoni Gaudi was a fabulous designer and architect. He went through three phases in his career. First is was inspired by oriental arts, then the neo-gothic movement, and finally organic/ art nouveau style. He has many brilliant works in these different design periods during his career but I love his organic style designs the best, specifically La Sagrada Familia (pictured last).