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Henry van de Velde's Theoretical Thought as a Driving Force and Its Manifestation in His Design Practice

Author(s)

Yahe Gao, Mingzhe Zhao, Yunxuan Li

Affiliation(s)

School of Design, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Abstract

Henry van de Velde, a pivotal figure bridging Art Nouveau and Modernism, demonstrated a dynamic, dialectical relationship between his theoretical thought and design practice. This paper analyzes how his evolving ideas both drove and were verified in his work across three periods. His early career, championing "line is force," featured abstracted natural forms in works like the Bloemenwerf villa. Later, his shift towards functionalism, emphasizing rationality and art-technology integration, led to simplified forms evident in the Weimar School of Arts and Crafts. In his final years, he masterfully balanced standardization with artistry, epitomized by the Ghent University Book Tower. Van de Velde's theory was not merely a precursor but was continuously tested and refined through his practice. His career thus fully encapsulates design's transition from craft decoration to industrial rationality, remaining highly relevant today.

Keywords

Henry van de Velde; Theoretical Thought; Design Practice; Art Nouveau; Modernist Design

References

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