Phenomenal Transparency in Architecture : The case of Victor Horta

Malvina A Apostolou (1, 2)

1 ENSAPLV - École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Paris-La Villette
2 MAP - Modèles et simulations pour l'Architecture et le Patrimoine

The object of this paper is to demonstrate the means of implementation of phenomenal transparency in the architecture of Victor Horta. More specifically, the buildings studied are the Hôtel Tassel (1893-1894), the Hôtel van Eetvelde (1895), and the personal residence of Victor Horta (1898-1901), in the city of Brussels. According to the definitions that have been attributed to the concept of phenomenal transparency (originally by Colin Rowe and Robert Slutzky in Transparency : Literal and Phenomenal) the paper seeks to understand the term and its connection with the architecture of the three works of Victor Horta, after the study of each of them. The elaboration of work is based on field research, study, recording and mapping held after visiting these three projects in the city of Brussels. After having studied the notion of this metaphorical transparency a conclusion is drawn: the unfolding or the multiplication of the perceived size of the space, and finally the creation of the image (Eidolon). This is illustrated by the creation of new plans on the basis of the collected data that, to my point of view, intensify the existence of phenomenal transparency. These new, virtual plans, are produced after the capture of multiple viewings, interpenetrations and perspectives that were recorded.

Domaines: Architecture, aménagement de l'espace

Malvina A Apostolou. Phenomenal Transparency in Architecture : The case of Victor Horta. ICTA 2016- International Conference on Transparency and Architecture-Emerging Complexities, Nov 2016, Thessaloniki, Greece. pp.310-319. ⟨halshs-01798534⟩