From Art Nouveau to Art Deco: Europe’s Cultural Transformation and Its Lessons for Today

The program entitled "From Art Nouveau to Art Deco: Europe’s Cultural Transformation and Its Lessons for Today" is structured around two focus areas. The first one dives into the transdisciplinary and transnational impact of Art Nouveau, examining its spread from Brussels to other parts of Europe and beyond. This phase highlights how Art Nouveau went beyond architecture to influence other arts, from furniture and ornamentation to graphic design. The second focus invites participants to reflect on the relationship between heritage and innovation, particularly how the ideals of Art Nouveau and Art Deco can be applied to current urban renovation and preservation policies.

The primary objectives of the program include:

1. Understanding Historical Context: Examining how the industrial revolution and post-World War I developments influenced the rise and transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco.

2. Appreciating Aesthetic Principles: Diving into the stylistic features of each movement—from Art Nouveau’s organic lines to Art Deco’s structured, geometric patterns. 

3. Exploring Key Figures: Learning about influential figures and their contributions to the architectural and design heritage of Brussels.

4. Analyzing Cultural Shifts: Investigating the shift from Art Nouveau’s emphasis on natural forms to Art Deco’s streamlined, modernist appeal.

5. Recognizing Lasting Impact: Reflecting on the ways these styles continue to shape contemporary art, design, and urban planning. 

This BIP initiative also encourages participants to consider how Art Nouveau and Art Deco ideals—such as harmony with nature, technological innovation, and artistic expression in urban settings—remain relevant today. These movements provide valuable perspectives on sustainable design, urban renewal, and cultural preservation. One of the special features of this course is the guided tours of a series of Art Nouveau and Art Deco sites. Brussels is fortunate to have many examples of these styles, many of which are open to the public. The selection of places visited during the course highlights the evolution of styles in both the public sphere (museums, concert halls) and the private sphere, with the discovery of places that are sometimes inhabited, others listed as Unesco World Heritage sites, making the experience unique. Each venue is guided by an expert who invites dialogue with participants. This hands-on approach to the very heart of Brussels Art Nouveau and Art Deco complements the theoretical experience of the lectures. By studying them within the historic context of Brussels, students gain a deeper understanding of European cultural history and insights applicable to today’s challenges in heritage management and city planning. ULB’s BIP on Art Nouveau and Art Deco fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, involving students and faculty from various CIVIS universities as well as experts from non-academic sectors, such as museum curators, stakeholders and architects. Through this program, participants will not only connect historical movements with present-day issues but also contribute to a meaningful dialogue on the future of European cultural identity. 

Main topics addressed

• The historical and cultural evolution from Art Nouveau to Art Deco in Europe
• Architectural heritage and its role in contemporary urban planning
• Sustainable design inspired by historical art movements
• Artistic and aesthetic principles of Art Nouveau and Art Deco
• Interdisciplinary approaches to heritage preservation and innovation
• The impact of social, political, and economic factors on European design movements
• Hands-on exploration of architectural sites and cultural landmarks in Brussels
• Reflection on the relevance of heritage in modern urban renovation strategies

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain how Art Nouveau and Art Deco blossomed in Europe and to compare Art Nouveau and Art Deco developments in different countries.
• To analyze the links between heritage and innovation through the lens of these two styles.
• To work in teams and produce an object or artefact (stained glass, pavement…) inspired by the visits and lectures organized during the program. They will be guided by experts in sgraffito and experts in cultural mediation. 
• To develop competencies in architectural analysis, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable design through hands-on workshops and interdisciplinary learning experiences.
• The program fosters collaborative and problem-based learning, enhancing skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and creative production through activities like heritage mapping and artefact creation.