Horta's curves and arabesques represented a novel motivation to the turn of the century architectural idiQm.

'Important to the creation of its remarkable style, .they comprised its fundamental theme and thus its most clearly visible expression. Its numerous architectural exponents sought to express the same inspiring motivation which characterized the applied arts. The correspondingly sinuous linearity; the biomorphic qualities; the seminaturalistic, semi-abstract elements - both structural and decorative; all were present in its varied examples. In architecture, Art Nouveau initiated a major change in structural thinking, despite its relatively brief and uncertain life. The subsequent architectural focus seeks to illuminate the work of one of its most significant innovators, Victor Horta. Well before any sign of a new direction in architectural design, Horta's building programme punctuated the turning point for treatment of the private home. "This house roused Continental architecture from its lethargy at one blow." I Consequently, from the day of its completion until the present, it has given rise to a variety of glowing reports delineating the extent of its innovations, and its impact. The essence of Horta's entire Art Nouveau oeuvre is embodied within this dwelling. The choice and "marriage" of materials; the floorplan; the facade; all serve as an introduction to the fundamental tenets of his conception. Al flowing display of Art Nouveau grille work around their bases, acts to alleviate the general tone of austerity in the facade. Proceeding to the uppermost storey, one finds that the architect has made use of the projection of the bay so as to create a curving balcony. The verticals of its railing terminate the ascendant spring of the iron columnettes below.

If it is correct that logic is the basis of a creator's slightest reasoning, I believe that it must not be allowed to interfere with one's "charm", that delicate, superfluous entity which often adds to harsh necessity?

It was precisely so as to overshadow that rude necessity which seemed to be so persistently encroaching in a world constantly preoccupied with a quest for logic, that Horta created a refuge in that "delicate superfluity" which characterized his Art Nouveau creations.

Horta instituted a dynamic, plastic treatment of internal structure. The subsequent asymmetry in the distribution of spatial masses, as well as in minor details such as window and door settings, created a gliding, rhythmical experience of the various parts of the structure linked organically together. Undoubtedly, this phenomenon was closely associated with the contemporary passion for the Middle Ages. / / It is especially amazing that Horta could achieve such impressions, and make them work successfully, within an area so confined. Soon after its completion the Maison Tassel became famous in all European avant garde circles. Contemporary opinion admired it for two things: its perfect adjustment to the living and entertainment needs of its bachelor owner, and its freedom from any trace of historical styles. 1. Victor Horta Victor Horta was born in Ghent in 1861. His father, a craftsman shoemaker, he passes the taste for work well done and perseverance that make it a perfectionist not arrogating sometimes three hours of sleep per day. Strongly attracted to music, he developed a passion for the violin, but the Conservatory of Music returns due indiscipline as a result of what he enrolled in architecture ... What a happy turnaround! Based in Brussels in 1878, Victor Horta took courses at the Academy of Fine Arts while working for a living. The architect Alphonse Balat, to whom we owe the majestic Greenhouses of Laeken, engages in his studio and he will devote Horta all his life an immense gratitude. He has just completed a house in Jubilee to house a monumental sculpture symbolizing

Jef Lambeau Human passions, when two of his brothers freemasons, Eugene Autrique and Emile Tassel, each entrusted the construction of a mansion. Free of any sponsor, Victor Horta touches the goal he has set: to create in any freedom of personal works in which he stated the main principles of his art: the rational and strength, but also beauty and usability. This is the beginning of a long series of jewels that dot Brussels buildings to spaces innovative glass to light, the opposite of banality. A new art is born It is a rebellious character who is at the base of the inventive spirit of Horta. Among its principles: the refusal to be fashionable for to create it. He was nicknamed sometimes archisec for his strong opinions and quips made a clean sweep of all neo-anything that preceded it. He wants to build all the buildings full of light, enthusiasm and energy to respond to embrace industrial darkens the time. Facades abandon the broad walls stone being replaced by ironwork. The rigid forms gave way to scrolls and arabesques, and the flora and fauna invade the urban balconies and stained glass, he landscape spaces that invite sharing site. And when the use of Stone is a must, there mold in plaster carving curves in the tailoring trade in granite or stone white. And to complete his work, Victor Horta also extends his artistic vision to furniture, hardware, tapestry and decorative items. But the current Art Nouveau, although it has been widely installed in Europe and although it has revolutionized the architecture and the arts plastic at the time, however short-lived. Geometry, already announcing the Art Deco shapes, reasserts itself while keeping the new harmony invented by the creative turn of the century. Again Horta demonstrated mastery : Part of his work less known to the general public and to be discovered. The turning point of a career After a 4-year exile in the United States because of World War I, Victor Horta in Brussels comes in large financial difficulty and goes back to work desperately. These are now all other sponsors who use it

and entrust it with very large projects: the Museum of Fine Arts in Tournai, Brussels, Brugmann Hospital, the Centre for Fine Arts and the Central Station, the flag of Belgium to honor the Paris Exposition of 1925 and the Palace of the Company Nations in Geneva. This work makes a titanic national glory and earned him a Legion d'Honneur and the title of Baron conferred on him by King Albert 1st in 1932. Despite this unanimous recognition, however, will end his life under the sign of the gloom: Horta regret not having bothered to publish his works and will, paradoxically, the sad decision to destroy most of its and archives of his drawings. His memoirs written in 1939 will happily remember the great ideas and trace the life of this brilliant architect who died September 8, 1947. Sources: "Memory" of Victor Horta and the valuable information Franoise Aubry, curator of the Horta Museum in Brussels 2. Guided tours and courses GUIDED TOURS BOZAR www.bozar.be Visits for individuals Palace of Fine Arts, home of the arts. Huge but virtually invisible, but overlooking the city buried in the land, multiple but unified, prestigious but open to all ... This is how Victor Horta conceived the first House of Culture built in Europe, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. The Palace of Fine Arts opened in 1928. In line with the evolution of his time, Horta chose a directory geometric rather, leaving the curved line of Art Nouveau. The overhead lighting showrooms and the ingenious interweaving of different spaces amaze. They are undoubtedly the signing of a master genius. In his memoirs, Horta considers the Palace of Fine Arts as a pinnacle of his career Where BOZAR. Rue Ravenstein 23, Brussels 1000 When Every Sunday at 12.00 Duration 1 hour Tours for groups Where BOZAR. Rue Ravenstein 23, Brussels 1000 When visits on request Duration 1 hour 15

Weekday Price: 65 (max 20 people) The Weekend: 85 (max 20 people) Bozarsundays See you at 10am for breakfast with the family. At 11 am, the children head for the bilingual workshops while adults visit the building with a guide. Where BOZAR. Rue Ravenstein 23, Brussels 1000 When May 15, 2011 May 22, 2011 Horta
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the architect's most important Belgian history, Victor Horta. Born in Ghent in 1861, studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Brussels and, later, the architect Alphonse Balat, whom should the majestic Greenhouses of Laeken, hired him in his workshop. The rebellious nature of Horta is the basis for its innovative spirit. Among its principles is the rejection of fashion to create it. Its buildings are fleeing the dense stone walls, that eases iron structures and bright spaces. Completed its work in detail, also follow the artistic vision of furniture, upholstery and other objects decorative. Despite the success achieved during his career, Horta ends his life with hardships economic. Regret not having taken the trouble to publish their work and paradoxically, take the sad decision to destroy most of their files and designs. Fortunately, his memoirs, written in 1939, can keep the memory of his great ideas and track the life of the architect, whose genius was extinguished on 8 September 1947. The city of Brussels to commemorate the life and works of Victor Horta through exhibitions, visit to buildings and guided tours around the city from this month until year end. These are some of the most important appointments: 1/3 150 years of Victor Horta Written by hoyesarte.com Thursday, April 28, 2011 11:02 Horta. Hotel Aubecq. Museum of Fine Arts. From July 1 to October 9, 2011. To mark the 150th birthday of the architect, Brussels pays homage to a of his most important works: the facade of the Hotel Aubecq. This architectural achievement outstanding have been saved from demolition and is being rebuilt. Will be shown to public as part of an exhibition dedicated to this masterpiece. For the occasion, a series of period furniture designs of Horta will be displayed in collaboration with the Royal Museum Fine Arts of Belgium. Art Nouveau Biennial 2011. Weekends in October. The Sixth Biennial of Art Nouveau, which is titled "From Art Nouveau to Art Deco" will provide a unique opportunity to discover the Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings of some most important of Brussels during the four weekends of October 2011, making

particular emphasis on Horta's buildings. The program of the Biennale will offer the public some 15 different visits to the interiors every weekend, interiors that are not usually open to the public. The biennial event will emphasis on the architectural variety of the two main styles in Brussels. Impressive mansions, private homes, apartments, schools, industrial buildings and public buildings open their doors to visitors. The tours will offer participants a unique opportunity to know their history, how they have been preserved, which is currently living in them and how they were lived in the past. 2/3 150 years of Victor Horta Written by hoyesarte.com Thursday, April 28, 2011 11:02 Horta 2011. A lost world. From April 6 to December 31, 2011. This exhibition at the Residence Autrique shows a series of moments decisive in his architectural career. Horta, who loved his work as if they were his children, saw many of its buildings fell into disgrace. The exhibition aims to highlight how works of internationally renowned thanks to technology and quality materials may fall into oblivion a few years later. One hundred years later, the style introduced and Art Nouveau experience was seen as a rebirth. Jathumbnail {off} 3/3