The architectural work of Antonio Gaudí sparks much controversy – numerous critics ascribe his imaginative buildings to gothic and Moorish tradition, or credit his fluid lines to the Art Nouveau movement (Sweeney and Sert, 1960; de Solà-Morales, 1984;...

As conferred Royal Architect in 1675, Premier Architect in 1685, and Superintendent of Buildings from 1699 until his death in 1708, Jules Hardouin-Mansart defined the style of architecture in the reign of King Louis XIV. Being the king’s primary...

It would be impossible to examine the architectural drawings of the neoclassical period without a discussion of Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Despite his architectural apprenticeship, he may not be viewed as an architect in a strict sense, considering the...

Otto Wagner’s work, although originating from a traditional education, anticipated the emergence of modern architecture. The innovative use of new technologies and materials (wrought iron, glass, and aluminum) found their way into his architecture. His...

As a founding member of the Secession movement in Vienna, Josef Maria Olbrich devoted his life to the arts, including architecture, interiors, furniture, and functional objects. He epitomized a designer in constant dialogue with his media, and his...