Victor Pierre Horta (Victor, Baron Horta after 1932; January 6, 1861 – September 8, 1947) is a Belgian architect and designer, and one of the founders of the Art Nouveau movement.
His Hôtel Tassel in Brussels built in 1892-3, is often considered the first Art Nouveau house, and, along with three of his other early houses, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The curving stylized vegetal forms that Horta uses influence many others, including architect Hector Guimard, who uses it in the first house he designs in Paris and in the entrances he designs for the Paris Metro.
He is also considered a precursor of modern architecture for his open floor plans and his innovative use of iron, steel and glass.
His later work moves away from Art Nouveau, and becomes more geometric and formal, with classical touches, such as columns.
He makesa highly original use of steel frames and skylights to bring light into the structures, open floor plans, and finely-designed decorative details.
His later major works include the Maison du Peuple in Brussels, (1895-1900); The Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels (1923-1929); and the Brussels Central Station (1913-1952).
In 1932 King Albert I of Belgium confers on Horta the title of Baron for his services to the field of architecture.
Four of the buildings he designs will be designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
