The Origins of Bauhaus Style
The Bauhaus style of art originated in 1919 at an art school in Germany. The name Bauhaus literally means building house in German. The original goal of the movement was to create a new style of art and design that was practical, functional, and affordable for the masses. The founding members of the Bauhaus school believed that art and design should be integrated into everyday life.The Key Features of Bauhaus Design
The key features of the Bauhaus style are simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. The movement rejected ornate and decorative designs in favor of clean lines and basic geometric shapes. The Bauhaus style was also characterized by a focus on form and function, with an emphasis on creating practical and useful objects. This approach was a departure from the traditional art and design styles of the time, which were often highly decorative and ornate. Some other key features of Bauhaus design include:- Minimal use of color
- Use of modular and standardized components
- Use of technology and industrial materials in design
- Integration of art and design into everyday life
Basic Geometric Shapes in Bauhaus Art
One of the defining characteristics of Bauhaus art is the use of basic geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, and circles. These shapes were seen as the building blocks of design and were used to create everything from furniture to architecture. The use of basic shapes also reflected the movement’s focus on simplicity and functionality. Some notable examples of Bauhaus design that incorporate basic geometric shapes include:- The Wassily Chair, designed by Marcel Breuer, which features a simple square frame and leather seat and backrest
- The Bauhaus Building in Dessau, which features clean lines and rectangular shapes
- The Table Lamp designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld, which features a simple cylindrical base and spherical shade
Minimalism and Bauhaus Style
Minimalism is another key feature of the Bauhaus style. The movement focused on creating objects that were functional and practical, rather than ornate and decorative. This approach was a response to the excesses of previous art and design styles, which were often characterized by highly decorative and ornate designs. The minimalist approach of the Bauhaus style can be seen in the use of simple geometric shapes, as well as the limited use of color and decoration. Bauhaus artists and designers believed that form should follow function, and that the beauty of an object should be derived from its usefulness and practicality.The Influence of Bauhaus on Architecture
The Bauhaus movement had a significant impact on architecture, both in Germany and internationally. The movement’s emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and minimalism was closely aligned with the principles of modern architecture, which emerged in the early 20th century. Some notable examples of Bauhaus-influenced architecture include:- The Fagus Factory, designed by Walter Gropius, which was one of the first buildings to use a curtain wall facade
- The Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam, which features a simple and utilitarian design with clean lines and minimal decoration
- The Jorn Utzon-designed Sydney Opera House, which is characterized by its modernist design and dramatic use of geometry
The Impact of Bauhaus Style on Contemporary Design
The influence of the Bauhaus movement can still be seen in contemporary design today. The movement’s emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and minimalism has had a lasting impact, particularly in fields such as product design and graphic design. Some examples of Bauhaus-inspired contemporary design include:- The iPhone, which features a clean and minimalist design with simple geometric shapes
- The Swiss International Style, which is characterized by clean lines, sans-serif typography, and a grid-based layout
- The furniture designs of Dieter Rams, who was heavily influenced by the Bauhaus movement and is known for his minimalist designs