Josef Hoffmann was an influential Austrian architect and designer, born on December 15, 1870. He was a key figure in the Vienna Secession movement, which aimed to break away from traditional artistic styles and promote modern design. Hoffmann co-founded the Wiener Werkstätte, a cooperative that focused on high-quality craftsmanship and the integration of art and design. Hoffmann is best known for his innovative architectural works, such as the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, which exemplifies his unique style combining geometric forms and decorative elements. His contributions to furniture design and decorative arts also left a lasting impact on the Art Nouveau and Modernism movements.