born Jan. 6, 1861, Ghent, Belg. died Sept. 8, 1947, Brussels Belgian architect. From 1892 he designed numerous buildings in Brussels, becoming a leading exponent of the Art Nouveau style. His Hôtel Tassel (1892-93) was a pioneering example of the new style. His chief work was the Maison du Peuple (1896-99), the first structure in Belgium to have a largely iron-and-glass facade. From 1912 he directed the Académie des Beaux-Arts, and he designed the Palais des Beaux-Arts (1922-28)