Modern Characteristics of Victor Horta's Domestic Architecture

In the early twentieth century, many architects still practised eclectic design elements. Emergence of new building materials such as steel, concrete and glass were not yet found fresh roles in architectural design. It was Brussels that the use of modern materials gave rise to their new forms and gave influence to not only building skins but also spatial organization. Art Nouveau architecture is often seen as revolutionary and pioneering modern architecture against eclectic classicism prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite the fact that some scholars point out that Art Nouveau is more a transient phenomenon than modern architecture proper, no one would deny that Art Nouveau carries a good deal of modern characteristics. This paper intends to show rather ambivalent perspectives upon Art Nouveau architecture. Although it insinuates overly dynamic nature in architectural languages, it does not hamper us from reading Art Nouveau as a vital component of modern architecture. Through a careful analysis of the early domestic designs of Victor Horta, it becomes evident that his work can provide modern architecture a meaningful alibi for its growth. Victor Horta's house design is well known to the public, both for his classical tastes and for its changing implementation. Horta's modern quality is never adequately recognized, partly due to his eye catching modern iron properties and sinuous ornamentation. This paper tries to offer an insight into the complicated stage set of the fin-de-$si{\grave{e}}cle$ through the work of Victor Horta whose influence has been immense in the making of modern architecture.

빅터 호르타의 주택설계에 나타난 근대적 특성에 관한 연구