ART NOUVEAU

AND
ART DECO

NAMES:

OKEKE CHINEMEREM MARYBLOSSOM - PG/MSC/21/95311

OKWARAEJESU CHIMBUCHI - PG/MSC/21/95565

ONOCHIE MICHAEL C - PG/MSC/21/95097

OSEMEKE PEACE - PG/MSC/21/95314

 ART NOUVEAU

HISYORY

Art Nouveau, a distinctive international art and design movement flourishing between 1890 and 1910,
is characterized by its inspiration from natural forms, specifically the sinuous curves of plants and
flowers. This aesthetic is marked by dynamism, asymmetry, and the innovative use of modern
materials like iron, glass, ceramics, and concrete. The movement aimed to break away from imitative
historicism and reacted against the academic art of the 19th century. Coined in Belgium and Paris, Art
Nouveau had various names across Europe, including Jugendstil, Sezessionstil, Stile Floreale, and
Modernismo (Sembach and Klaus-Jürgen,2013).

OBJECTIVES

One primary objective of Art Nouveau was to blur the distinction between fine and applied arts. This
encompassed various fields such as interior design, graphic arts, furniture, glass art, textiles, ceramics,
jewelry, and metalwork. Influenced by figures like Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, John Ruskin,
and William Morris, the movement sought to create a Gesamtkunstwerk, a total work of art unifying
architecture, furnishings, and art. Its roots can be traced to the Arts and Crafts Movement, responding
to the challenges posed by industrialization.

INFLUENCE OF ARTS AND CRAFT MOVEMENT ON ARTS NOUVEAU

The movement found its expression across Europe, adorning public spaces like train stations and
department stores, reflecting the period's rapid social and technological changes. Art Nouveau drew
inspiration from Japanese art (Japonism) and embraced the femininity defining the first wave of
feminism. Architectural features included asymmetrical lines, organic motifs, a combination of
materials, sculptural concrete and ironwork, earth and jewel-tone color palettes, and stained glass.

SOME ARCHITECTS OF ART NOUVEAU MOVEMENT

Prominent architects of the Art Nouveau movement include Antoni Gaudí, Hector Guimard, Charles
Rennie Mackintosh, Otto Wagner, and Victor Horta. Integration of art and craftsmanship was a key
tenet, breaking down boundaries between disciplines. Materials employed ranged from cement-based
mortar and concrete to ceramics, glass, wood, and steel.
OVERVIEW OF TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED IN ARTS NOVEAU.

The techniques employed in Art Nouveau included sagramatura, granite-imitating mortar, graffito,
ceramics and steel, traditional tabique and adobe bricks, and the use of steel and cement-based
mortar/concrete. These techniques reflected a blend of traditional and modern methods, showcasing a
rich tapestry of craftsmanship. The overview concludes with references to the Heilbrunn Timeline of
Art History, Klaus-Jürgen Sembach's work on Art Nouveau, and various sources contributing to the
understanding of this captivating artistic movement.

DEFINING ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF ART NOUVEAU

Figure 1: casa-batlo interior Figure 2: Staircase-Hotel-Tassel- Figure 3: casa-batlo,barcelona

Victor-Horta-Brussels

1. ASYMMETRICAL LINES AND MOVEMENT: Art Nouveau draws inspiration from

plants, insects, and wildlife.

2. ORGANIC MOTIFS: Repeating patterns include depictions of organic shapes, like flower
buds, plant stalks, vines, insects, and even female forms.

3. WIDE COMBINATION OF MATERIALS: Art Nouveau style could use a wide

combination of materials like iron, glass, concrete, wood, and ceramic.

4. SCULPTURAL CONCRETE AND IRONWORK: Intricate iron gates, railings, and

balconies traditionally feature vine-like patterns and asymmetrical balusters.

5. EARTH AND JEWEL TONE COLOR PALETTES: Architects and designers traditionally
incorporated greens and browns as the base of their designs and accented with rich jewel tones
like yellow, indigo, dark red, and violet.

6. STAINED GLASS AND INTRICATE WINDOW PANES: Many Art Nouveau buildings
also incorporated the use of stained glass or decorative window panes (Heilbrunn Timeline of Art
History, N.D).
ICONIC BUILDINGS OF ART NOUVEAU: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Art Nouveau movement, flourishing at the turn of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on
architecture. Notable structures across Europe showcase the distinctive features of this style,
emphasizing sculptural ornamentation and innovative materials.

1. Majolikahaus, Vienna, Austria

Architect Otto Wagner's Majolikahaus (1898) boasts a vibrant floral motif using ceramic
majolica tiles, showcasing Vienna's Art Nouveau reinvention (Stamp, 2023).

2. Municipal House, Prague, Czech Republic

The Municipal House (1912) in Prague exemplifies Art Nouveau amidst Gothic and Baroque
surroundings, featuring a mosaic titled "Homage to Prague" by Karel Špillar (Stamp, 2023).

3. Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue, Paris, France

Designed by Hector Guimard, the Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue (1913) in Paris exhibits Art
Nouveau motifs inspired by the Ten Commandments (Stamp, 2023).

4. Hungarian State Treasury Building, Budapest, Hungary

Ödön Lechner's Treasury Building in Budapest, known as "the Hungarian Gaudí," stands out
with a vibrant green roof and gold accents (Stamp, 2023).

5. Albert Street, Riga, Latvia

Mikhail Eisenstein's Art Nouveau creations on Albert Street in Riga showcase highly
ornamented apartment buildings (Stamp, 2023).

6. Casa Fenoglio-Lafleur, Turin, Italy

Pietro Fenoglio's Casa Fenoglio-Lafleur (1902-1903) in Turin, an exemplar of Stile Liberty,

features floral adornments and wrought-iron details (Stamp, 2023).

7. The Secession Building, Vienna, Austria

Designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich, Vienna's Secession Building (1898) with a distinctive
dome of gilt wrought-iron laurel leaves served as an exhibition hall (Stamp, 2023).

8. Lavirotte Building, Paris, France

The Lavirotte Building (1899-1901) in Paris, named after architect Jules Lavirotte, earned
acclaim for its botanical detailing and won the 1901 façade contest (Stamp, 2023).
 9. The Old England Building, Brussels, Belgium

Paul Saintenoy's Old England building (1899) in Brussels, now a museum, features musical
motifs and standard Art Nouveau touches (Stamp, 2023).

10. Jubilee Synagogue, Prague, Czech Republic

Viennese architect Wilhelm Stiassny's Jubilee Synagogue (1906) in Prague blends bold colors,
patterns, and Moorish Revival elements (Stamp, 2023).

11. Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Spain

Antoni Gaudí's Casa Batlló in Barcelona incorporates broken ceramics and scalelike tiles,
portraying the legend of St. George and the dragon (Stamp, 2023).

Regional Variations in Art Nouveau

1. Jugendstil, Germany

Jugendstil, Germany's Art Nouveau, evolved from British and Japanese influences to geometric
shapes, led by figures like Hermann Obrist and Henry van de Velde (Hohenadel, 2022).

2. Secession Style, Austria and Hungary

Inspired by the Vienna Secession, Budapest embraced Secession Style, characterized by fancy
designs, curved doors, and colorful tiles (Sicily, 2020).

3. Stile Liberty, Italy

Stile Liberty in Italy, akin to Art Nouveau, gained popularity in Sicily, featuring floral styles
pioneered by artists like Giovan Battista Filippo (Art Nouveau Club, 2016).

4. Modernismo, Spain

In Spain, Modernismo, akin to Art Nouveau, had a strong link to Catalonia, notably with Antoni
Gaudí as a key figure (Grant, 2023).

5. Modern Style, England

In the UK, Modern Style marked the inception of Art Nouveau, emerging from the already
popular Arts and Crafts movement (Art Nouveau Club, 2016).
 6. Tiffany Style, United States

Named after Louis Comfort Tiffany, the American variant emphasized stained glass,
influencing both the US and Europe (Art Nouveau Club, 2016).

7. Belle Epoque and Style Guimard, France

The Belle Epoque era in France, marked by elegance, embraced Art Nouveau characterized by
vibrant colors and cast iron use (Hohenadel, 2022).

CRITIQUES AND LEGACY

In the late 1800s, Art Nouveau rebelled against formal design, influencing modernism. Criticisms
include excessive ornamentation, lack of structural integrity, impractical interiors, and limited
accessibility (Wolfe, 2023).

CONTEMPORARY CRITIQUES

Excessive Ornamentation: Critics argue Art Nouveau's intricate designs can border on excess.

Structural Integrity: Some criticize prioritizing aesthetics over structural soundness.

1. Impracticality: Curved designs are seen as less functional.

2. Inaccessibility: Detractors find it fairly inaccessible due to intensive craftsmanship.
3. Legacy of Art Nouveau: Influence on Modern Design: Shaping movements like Art Deco and
Modernism.
4. Preservation: Many buildings preserved as cultural landmarks.
5. Organic Forms: Paved the way for nature-inspired elements.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: Despite critiques, the style's aesthetics endure.
7. Comparison with Other Architectural Styles:
8. Art Deco: Contrasted with Art Nouveau's natural forms, Art Deco embraced geometric designs
(Zhekova, 2022).
9. Classical Architecture: Art Nouveau's fluid style contrasts with classical principles (Daudén,
2018).
10. Neoclassical and Gothic Architecture: Differences in orientation and design elements

(David, 2023).
11. Baroque Architecture: Contrasted ornate features; Art Nouveau favored organic, flowing

forms (Seferian, 2022).

12. Modernism and Bauhaus: Prioritizing functionality, a departure from Art Nouveau's total

work of art (Mccarty, 2021).

13. Romanesque Architecture: Contrasts in materials, incorporating modern elements

a. International Style: A reaction against ornate aspects, emphasizing simplicity (Author, Year).
b. Enduring Influences: Art Nouveau's enduring influences persist in contemporary design:
c. Asymmetrical Lines: Emulating organic curves for a natural feel.
d. Organic Motifs: Depicting nature-inspired shapes.
e. Wide Material Combination: Embracing a variety of materials.
f. Sculptural Concrete and Ironwork: Intricate, asymmetrical patterns.
g. Earth and Jewel Tone Palettes: Nature-inspired color schemes.
h. Stained Glass and Intricate Windowpanes: Depicting nature scenes and abstract forms
(Decombo, 2022).
 ART DECO
Introduction
Art Deco architecture, a prominent design
movement of the early 20th century, emerged
as a response to the forces of modernization
and shifting cultural dynamics. The term "Art
Deco" originated from the 1925 Exposition
Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et
Industriels Modernes in Paris, bringing
widespread attention to the style characterized
by bold geometric shapes, symmetry, and the
use of innovative materials (Adams, 2002).
This movement was profoundly influenced by
the aftermath of World War I, the Roaring
Twenties, and the growth of urban centers
(Adams, 2002; Smith, 2007; Brown, 2014). Figure 1: Figure 1 - Art Deco Architecture of NewYork City by
Art Deco architecture is defined by geometric Wikipedia

shapes, sleek lines, symmetry, the use of contrasting materials, and stylized ornamentation (Smith,
2007; Jones, 2010; Brown, 2014). This design movement gave rise to a diverse group of architects and
designers who contributed to its architectural expression, including figures like Ely Jacques Kahn, Paul
Cret, and Erich Mendelsohn. Art Deco's influence extended to urban landscapes and skyscrapers, with
iconic examples like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. The movement was marked
by its use of materials such as glass, steel, concrete, and various decorative embellishments, creating
a sense of luxury, sophistication, and modernity (Lauren, 2022).
Historical Context
Art Deco architecture emerged in response to the
post-World War I era and the Roaring Twenties.
The aftermath of World War I left a society eager
for renewal and modernization, providing a fertile
ground for the Art Deco movement's innovative and
break-from-tradition design principles (Adams,
2002). The Roaring Twenties, characterized by
Figure 2: Figure 2 - History of Art Deco by Britannica
economic prosperity and cultural dynamism, led to
a desire for a more glamorous lifestyle and was mirrored in Art Deco's bold and opulent designs (Smith,
2007). The rapid urbanization of the early 20th century further fueled Art Deco's popularity, as its
streamlined, functional designs were well-suited to maximize limited urban space (Brown, 2014).

Key Characteristics
Art Deco architecture is defined by several distinctive features;

1. Geometric shapes are a fundamental design element, as seen in structures like the Hoover
Building in London, which exhibits a profusion of geometric motifs (Smith, 2007).
2. Sleek lines convey a sense of modernity, exemplified by the Normandie Hotel in New York
City (Jones, 2010).
3. Symmetry, as seen in the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, creates a sense of balance and order
(Smith, 2007).
4. The juxtaposition of contrasting materials, as demonstrated by the Chicago Board of Trade
Building, adds visual interest (Jones, 2010).
5. Stylized ornamentation, drawing inspiration from various sources, is a hallmark of Art Deco,
showcased by the Daily Express Building in Manchester (Brown, 2014).
 Figure 5: History of Art Deco by Figure 4: Normadie by Figure 3: Palais de Chaillot by Viator
Britannica Eleonorwhang.blogspot.com

Figure 6: Stylized ornamentation -

Image by WTN
Figure 7: Contrasting elements by
Ekohunters

Architectural Expression
Art Deco brought together a diverse group of architects and designers who
made significant contributions to architectural expression. Ely Jacques
Kahn, known for his innovative use of modern materials, designed iconic
Art Deco buildings in New York City, seamlessly integrating historical
references with modern elements (Whitfield, 2003). Paul Cret, a French-
born architect, harmoniously blended modern construction techniques with
classical elements in designs like the Folger Shakespeare Library and the
Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Hill, 1996). Erich Mendelsohn, primarily
associated with Expressionism, exhibited strong Art Deco influences in his
Figure 8: Paul Cret image
by Wikipedia designs, incorporating innovative materials like glass and steel to create
dynamic facades (Cohen, 2001).
Urban Landscapes and Skyscrapers
Art Deco influenced the construction of iconic skyscrapers, creating a
distinctive visual language. The Empire State Building and the Chrysler
Building in New York City are prime examples of Art Deco architecture,
with setbacks, decorative motifs, and stylized ornamentation (Hines, 2010;
Stokstad & Cothren, 2018). These skyscrapers shaped modern cityscapes
and extended beyond to theaters, hotels, department stores, and residential
buildings, as seen in the Avalon Hotel in Los Angeles (Hess, 2001).
Figure 9: Urban Skyscrapper
of Art Deco by Architectural
Digest

Decorative Elements and Materials

Art Deco architecture emphasized luxury, geometric shapes, and decorative elements. The use of
materials such as glass, steel, concrete, and various decorative embellishments allowed for the creation
of opulent and modern designs (Lauren, 2022). Glass was used for stained glass windows, frosted
glass, and intricate glasswork to create a sense of opulence and drama. Steel framing systems enabled
architects to create intricate facades with elaborate ornamentation. Reinforced concrete allowed for
streamlined, curvilinear forms and intricate facades. Decorative embellishments included ornate
metalwork, terracotta or ceramic tiles, and relief sculptures featuring geometric patterns and stylized
motifs, creating a lavish and cohesive aesthetic.

NOTABLE EXAMPLES OF ART DECO

1. Chrysler Building (New York City, USA): Renowned for its Art Deco spire, stainless steel
ornamentation, and automotive-inspired details.

2. Empire State Building (New York City, USA): An iconic skyscraper with sleek geometric
design and decorative motifs.

3. The LeVeque Tower

4. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City

5. Elgin Theater (Toronto, Canada): Historic theater with stunning Art Deco interior featuring
elegant lighting, rich colors, and geometric patterns.
 6. Hoover Building (London, UK): Originally a factory, showcases Art Deco design with
decorative brickwork and striking blue and white tiles.

7. National Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Ganshoren, Brussels)

8. Radio City Music Hall (New York City, USA): Iconic entertainment venue with lavish Art
Deco interiors.

9. Napier Municipal Theatre (Napier, New Zealand): A prime example of post-earthquake

reconstruction in Art Deco style, known for geometric motifs and pastel colors.

10. Ocean Drive (Miami Beach, USA): The Art Deco Historic District with pastel-colored,
streamlined architecture (Srivastava, 2023).

Figure 11: The LeVeque Figure 12: The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Mexico)
Figure 10: The Chrysler
Tower (Columbus, Ohio)
Building

Figure14: National Basilica ofthe Sacred Heart (Ganshoren, Brussels)

Figure 13: The Elgin Theatre (Toronto,
Canada)
GLOBAL INFLUENCE AND ADAPTATION OF ART DECO

1. Architecture: Known for geometric shapes, sleek lines, and decorative elements, seen in
iconic structures globally.

2. Origin and Spread: Originated in France in the 1920s, spread to the US, Europe, South
America, and Asia.

3. Iconic Architecture: Impact on iconic structures like Empire State Building, Marine Building
in Vancouver, and Napier Municipal Theatre.

4. Skyscrapers: Geometric and streamlined aesthetic well-suited for skyscraper design.

5. Materials and Techniques: Experimentation with new materials like concrete, steel, and glass
for innovative designs.

6. Interior Design: Influence on interior design with rich materials, bold patterns, and emphasis
on symmetry.

7. Global Adaptation: Unique regional adaptations in places like Miami and India.

8. Film and Theater: Hollywood adopted Art Deco aesthetics in film sets and theater
productions.

9. Fashion: Influence on fashion trends with bold patterns, rich materials, and focus on
symmetry.

10. Transportation: Art Deco elements in classic cars, trains, and ocean liners.

11. Global Spread: Not confined to Europe and the US, influenced design in India, China, and

Brazil.

12. Contemporary Influence: Continues to inspire contemporary designers and artists (Van Alen,

n.d).

CRITIQUE AND RE-EVALUATION OF ART DECO IN ARCHITECTURE

A. Aesthetic Appeal:

i. Celebrated for glamorous, sleek, and symmetrical designs.

ii. Some argue opulence can be excessive and disconnected from everyday life.

B. Lack of Cultural Depth:

 i. Criticized for lacking cultural or historical depth.

ii. Compared to other movements exploring deeper themes.

C. Functionality vs. Ornamentation:

i. Emphasis on ornamentation sometimes led to buildings prioritizing form over function.

ii. Example: Chrysler Building's decorative spire.

D. Impact on Accessibility:

i. Grand staircases, intricate detailing, and high-maintenance materials could limit accessibility.

E. Historical Context:

i. Emerged post-World War I and during the Great Depression, reflecting escapism and
optimism.

ii. Re-evaluation should consider historical context.

F. Preservation and Restoration:

i. Importance of preserving and restoring Art Deco structures as part of architectural heritage.

ii. Example: Normandie Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

G. Exclusivity:

i. Associated with luxury and glamour, making it inaccessible to many.

ii. Critique on social and economic inequalities.

In summary, Art Deco's global legacy has left an indelible mark on architecture, design, and aesthetics.
While celebrated for its distinctive glamour and precision, a re-evaluation acknowledges critiques
regarding cultural depth, functionality, accessibility, historical context, preservation, and exclusivity.
The movement's enduring influence on the visual landscape continues to shape contemporary art and
design (Art deco, n.d.).
References

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Thames & Hudson.

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