Author(s): Riichi Miyake

Architecture

Sensual buildings: Seeing Art in a whole Nouveau wayBuildings designed in the Art Nouveau style are among the most beautiful and ornate ever constructed. Featuring highly stylized decorative elements both inside and out, these sensual structures from the 19th to early 20th century combine graceful curves with strong lines, floral themes, asymmetrical compositions, and both neo-Gothic and Oriental influences.Japanese photographer Keiichi Tahara s images offer a personal and dramatic view of Art Nouveau s remaining architectural marvels throughout Europe. With an eye for eerie details, Tahara captures the extraordinary balustrades, painted ceilings, sculptural elements, stained-glass windows that make up these elaborate, almost animate, structures. His chosen buildings showcase the work of dozens of architects, including the movement s well-known protagonists Gaudi, Horta, Hoffmann, Loos, and Mackintosh. Text by Riichi Miyake accompanies Tahara s pictures to describe the buildings floor plans and designs.Text in English, French, and German"