Art Nouveau

Coming from the meaning new art, the Art Nouveau period was from 1890 until 1910. It began in France and Belgium. The Art Nouveau period was all about thinking ahead, thinking of a new way to design, and rejecting history. During this period Europe was going through a time of peace, prosperity, and growth. The Art Nouveau period can be characterized by its use of organic lines, modern materials such as iron and glass, asymmetrical facade, electric lighting, curvilinear forms, and its use of decorative ornamentation. Victor Horta was an Belgian architect and designer who performed extensive work during the Art Noiveau period. Another influential individual from this period was Henry Van de Velde, he was a significant Belgian practitioner who built his own house and designed the L'Art Nouvea shop.

The use of curve lined work in this image expressed the characterizes of the Art Nouveau period.  

The use of iron is seen throughout this interior and was one of the popular materials from this period.

A significant figure in Paris, Hector Guimard was an architect and designer, He is known for creating decorative elements that could be reproduced. I personally liked the role he played in creating the Paris Metro Subway Station signs. 

The Art Nouveau period began to grow in different places such as Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, and the US. Antoni Gaudi was significant in Spain for his use of flowing curves and decorative details. I was personally intrigued by Louis H. Sullivan who along with Louis Comfort Tiffany both were significant in the Art Nouveau period in Chicago. Louis H. Sullivan was involved in the rebuilding of Chicago after the huge fire. Louis Comfort Tiffany was the son of the founder of Tiffany jewelry. 

Current applications

A replica of an Hector Guimard, Art Nouveau Paris subway sign. This Metra sign was given to Chicago in 2001 by the city of Paris and placed at the Van Buren Street station entrance on Michigan Ave. When I saw the example of the Hector Guimard, Paris Metro sign, I immediately thought of the sign in Chicago that popped up. When I first saw the sign in Chicago, I had no clue of the history behind the sign but after learning about the history of the Art Nouveau period, it was pretty cool to make that connection to a current application.  

The use of line work and nature like elements is seen in this current application of Art Nouveau.

Peer Discussion 

I really was interested in Allison's pictures of her current applications, especially the one of the bathroom because it was a clear depiction of the Art Nouveau period. I also would like my bathroom today, to have different elements of Art Nouveau because it was a pretty magical period. 

I also read Nicole Kopsias blog and found her video very interesting. Her video had great images that showed off the Art Nouveau period well. 

Arts and Crafts Movement Peer Discussion Continue!

Arts and Crafts Movement Peer Discussion Continue!

I also enjoyed Flors' Blog because me and her had similar thoughts as far as the William Morris 1870 wallpaper, Garden Lily. She also included a great connection to the William Morris wallpaper by showing how it was similar to Lilly Pulitzer Pattern in a current application.

Arts and Crafts Movement (1860-1910)

Garden Lily, 1870, William Morris

Born of ideals and the Reaction against the Victorian Period the Arts and Crafts movement began in the 1860. The Arts and Crafts movement was intended to "renew design by looking at an idealized preindustrial world". The movement began in England and was founded by William Morris. The Arts and Crafts movement can be characterized by its use of simple, hand crafted, heavy oak wood finishes.

Throughout the space heavy oak wood finishes are being used. 

The main figure of the Arts and Crafts movement William Morris, was not only a designer but also a writer, reformer, poet, and businessman. Morris formed his own company with Marshall and Faulkner. Their company specialized in stain glass, furniture, and textiles. Although Morris was a very talented designer, an influential piece of furniture the "Morris Chair" was designed by Philip Webb, an employee for Morris and Company. The Morris Chair had a simple construction and used solid wood, and loose cushions.

Philip Webb the designer of the Morris Chair, was an architect and was very concerned with how things were manufactured. Webb eventually formed his own practice and his first project was the Morris's house, Red House in Kent. This house represented the Arts and Crafts movement with its design of "simple, with straightforward emphasis on visible hardware". 

Throughout time a second generation of The Arts and Crafts movement formed. Designers such as Voysey, Lutyens, Mackintosh and Stickley inspired many other elements of the Arts and Crafts movement. Charles Francis Annesley Voysey combined Gothic and Japanese details within the movement. We also see Charles Rennie Mackintosh work throughout the movement and later in time. Gustav Stickley inspired the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States.

Current Applications 

The Arts and Crafts movement design styles and principles are still seen today.

The use of heavy wood throughout a space is seen today. 

 A modern take on Mackintosh High Back chair.

Not only do we still high back chairs throughout spaces but High Back couches are also seen in todays interiors. 

Peer Discussion.

I read over Megan Y blog and I enjoyed her pictures of current applications because throughout the photos you see the Arts and Crafts Movement with the use of heavy wood and a nature like aspect within the spaces. I also really enjoyed the clip she posted because the clip gave a short yet very entertaining depiction of the Arts and Crafts Movement. This clip related well to the topic and gave entertaining images throughout the video.

Addition links!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYjNO2Y4m6c

This video gives a great overview of The Arts and Crafts Movement.