Victor Horta's Architectural Masterpiece: Art Nouveau Design

Architect: Victor Horta

Structural and Decorative Elements

The fine iron columns supporting the structure combine with decorative elements. The capitals are full of imagination and creativity. The ceiling beams, made of iron, are clearly visible, serving as another integral element of the overall design.

Exterior and Interior Spaces

The front facade is narrow and simple, featuring glass that imparts a sinuous quality. The windows are separated by stone columns and a small, unusual metal grate.

Great importance is given to the glass in the treatment of the balconies.

The floor plan is narrow and almost rectangularly elongated. The distribution across the three floors is determined by the scale of the entrance hall.

Ornamentation and Function

The decorative elements, inspired by natural motifs, are so significant that it can be said that virtually every component serves an ornamental function.

Art Nouveau Style Context

This work belongs to the Modernist style, which received different names depending on the country of development:

• Art Nouveau in France and Belgium
• Jugendstil in Germany
• Secession in Austria
• Liberty in Italy
• Modernismo in Spain and Catalan Countries

It is characterized by an aesthetic reaction against the perceived harshness of industrial civilization.

The Belgian architect was a pioneer and a leading exponent of Art Nouveau.

Interpretation and Function of Tassel House

Tassel House is a private, civil building. The design emphasizes the sensuality of the curved line, known as the coup de fouet (whiplash line), and natural motifs.

It was commissioned by Mr. Tassel, a professor of descriptive geometry at the University of Brussels.

The building's function was tailored to the owner's specific tastes.

Background: Art Nouveau and Modernism

In the late nineteenth century (1880–1890), Art Nouveau emerged in Europe. This style was born as an expression of freedom, seeking to disassociate itself from all prevailing historical currents.

Its inspiration was primarily aesthetic; architects aimed to emulate natural forms. Consequently, curved forms predominated in the buildings, accompanied by lush and omnipresent decor, although this ornamentation remained subordinate to and linked with the building's function.

Art Nouveau artists were concerned with merging art and daily life, working extensively across all known crafts and trades, including:

• Forging
• Stained glass
• Ceramics
• Design
• Furniture

This movement flourished mainly in three cities: Barcelona, Brussels, and Vienna. In Barcelona, notable works by architects Gaudí (Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Palau Güell) and Domènech i Montaner (Palau de la Música Catalana) exemplify the style.