Sep

A Nouveau Approach

Upon researching my building, or at least the time period it was built in I came across some giant coincidences that can not be ignored, which may soon play heavily into my concept for this project.

The facts:

The gymnasium at National Park Seminary was built in 1907.

During this time the art nouveau movement had gotten into full swing.

Art nouveau was a movement that embraced embraced architecture, design and the visual arts (Archiseek).

It is characterized by organic floral and plant-inspired designs (Zatista).

In the United Kingdom art nouveau developed out of the arts & crafts movement. (Wiki)

A choice interpretation:

The time period in which the gymnasium at National Park Seminary was built is from a time that directly coincides with the purpose of this project. A building that incorporates a farmer’s market (organic and plant-inspired), an artist community (visual arts, arts & crafts) and a community garden (flowers and plants) could possess the aestetic embodied in the art nouveau movement.

Thoughts:

The fluidity of art nouveau designs has always been one of my favorites, and several of its artisans have long been on the top of my inspirations.

My top three:

Louis Comfort Tiffany (of course) – as a young girl I told my parents I wanted one of the lamps with my name. His stained glass designs are breathtaking.

(“Magnolias and Irises” – Tiffany 1908)

Gustav Klimt – I have long loved The Kiss, and mostly his mosaic-style as it has inspired not only artists but fashion and interior designers as well.

(“The Kiss” – Klimt 1907-1908)

Charles Rennie Mackintosh – his design of the Willow Tea Rooms is still very modern and lovely. If only I had known more about him in 10th grade when I stayed in Glasgow. He even has his own typeface!

Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow, Scotland

(Mackintosh 1904)

Overall art nouveau caught my love with its graphics. The designs are so organic and feminine, they really embody all things delicate and beautiful.

Absinthe Poster

(Privat-Livemont 1896)

Beautiful art nouveau interiors:

Interior of Winter Garden at The Institute of the Ursulines,

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver, Belgium

(Architect: Unknown)

Hôtel Tassel in Brussels, Belgium

(Architect: Victor Horta)

Art nouveau furnishings:

Cabinet Vitrine

(Gustave Serrurier-Bovy 1899)

Signs I can’t ignore:

Art Nouveau Shop Signs

(E. Mulier 1903)

(note: while I include these, I’m sure it is ill advised as I have now seen the dairy sign and will inevitably be influenced by it in one way or another)

While very much so inspired by the art nouveau movement, I am anxious to see how that plays out when I explain it in class, and whether it will go on to be my concept for my graduate project. I should perhaps brainstorm some other ideas to have ready in case this one doesn’t make the cut (though I’d really like it to.)