Jugendstil architecture
Jugendstil is a type of Art Nouveau architecture that emerged in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.
The aim of Art Nouveau was to escape the eclectic historical styles that had come to dominate the late-19th century and so modernise design. Inspiration was drawn from both organic and geometric forms, merging flowing, natural designs with more angular and rigid contours.
As the Art Nouveau movement spread through Europe it evolved in different forms in different countries – Style Moderne in France, Secession Style in Austria, and Jugendstil in Germany.
The Latvian capital of Riga is the most celebrated Jugendstil city in the world, with a large concentration of buildings designed in the style – roughly one-third of all the buildings in the city centre. The reason the style is so prevalent is that at the height of the Art Nouveau period, Riga was experiencing a financial boom. At the same time, restrictions were lifted on the construction of masonry buildings outside the Old City fortified walls. Accordingly, most of Riga’s Jugendstil buildings date from between 1904 and 1914.
One of the most prolific and revered Jugendstil architects was Mikhail Eisenstein, who is particularly well known for his highly-ornamental three-storey apartment buildings on Alberta iela. One example features a massive woman’s face, a screaming woman, a satyr, and large busts of Lady Liberty.
On other buildings, entrances are guarded by sphinx, and windows are shaped like large keyholes. At the corner or Elizabetes and Antonijas streets, one of the city’s most famous buildings features a blue façade with long faces at the top (see below).
.JPG)
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.