Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau Architecture : (1890 - 1914)



True inspiration for Art Nouveau is from organic material in nature. Such as the turns and twists in a vine as it grows in the forest, or the curves and angles found in flowers and leafs. Authur Mackmurdo’s artistic and rhythmic book cover for Wren’s City Churches (1883) is said to be the first insight to Art Nouveau. Similar to the Arts and Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau also receives inspiration from William Morris and feels the need to break away from the strangle hold that the Victorian style seemed to have on the world. (1)

Areas of Use:

Though it only lasted a short period of time Art Nouveau started to spread through Europe, in cities such as Paris, Riga and Barcelona. (1)

Characterisitcs:

Art Nouveau is summed up as flowing lines with violent curves. It is a very untraditional style that did not seem to really ever take hold with the peoples of the world. Art Nouveau buildings tended to have Asymmetrical shapes, extensive use of arches, curved or stained glass and mosaics. Buildings were designed to integrate space into a unified whole. Architects wanted the buildings to grow naturally and have a flow about them. (2)

Famous Art Nouveau Architects: (3)

- Britain - the architecture of Rennie Mackintosh, the drawings of Aubrey Beardsley

- France - Guimard's famous glass and iron Metro designs

- Spain - Gaudi in Barcelona

- Vienna - Gustav Klimt

- U.S. - Louis Comfort Tiffany; Louis Sullivan

Famous Buildings: (3)

- Casa Batlló

- House Felle

- Church of St. Elisabeth

Links

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau#Origins (1)

http://www.life123.com/arts-culture/architecture-2/art-nouveau/art-nouveau-style.shtml (2)

http://architecture.about.com/od/artnouveau/g/artnouveau.htm (3)