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.