As one of the most influential design movements of the 20th century, Bauhaus has left behind a legacy of minimalist, functional and geometric elements within art and architecture.
The school, which was founded by German architect Walter Gropius in 1919 and closed in 1933, revolutionized the world of art, design and architecture. Its ideas of simple form and functionality have shaped our modern world, from typography to the skyscrapers of our cities.
At the core of Bauhaus designs is the concept of form follows function. Organizations should create structures and products that are designed to be practical and efficient first – and only then should they think of aesthetics. This idea was then applied through the use of geometric shapes.
Minimalism
The Bauhaus movement was based on the concept of minimalism: using a few strong elements and forms to create something with maximum impact.
The famous Bauhaus building, designed by Gropius in 1919, was built with this in mind – a simple, functional façade with an asymmetrical grid of plain glass windows.
The exterior of this building embodies what has since become known as “Less is more”. According to Gropius, “The modern architect must realize that it is his arduous task to create a new and better future”.
“The modern architect must realize that it is his arduous task to create a new and better future.”- Walter Gropius
This idea of minimalism was also expressed through furniture designs, such as the Wassily Chair, designed by Marcel Breuer. It features a minimal frame, made of bent steel tubing, and a seat and backrest made of leather straps.
Functional Geometry
Bauhaus designs are also characterized by their use of geometric shapes. This is often used to create furniture and buildings with clean lines, but also serves a functional purpose.
For example, the curved surfaces of the Barcelona Chair, designed by Mies Van Der Rohe, provide comfort as well as a visual aesthetic. The Wassily Chair, too, is constructed from geometric shapes, giving it strength and structure.
This idea of functional geometry can also be seen in Bauhaus buildings such as the Haus am Horn, designed by Georg Muche in 1924. The building embodies the ‘form follows function’ ideology, with simple, geometric shapes used to optimize the layout and create an efficient space.
A Lasting Legacy
The influence of the Bauhaus school can still be seen in modern-day design. The idea of ‘form follows function’ is still a popular concept and minimalist designs are widespread in architecture, industrial design and graphic design.
Architects such as Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe and Le Corbusier, who were associated with the Bauhaus movement, are some of the most renowned architects of the 20th century and their designs still influence the way we design buildings today.
Bauhaus’s legacy is not only in the world of design – it also left behind ideas of collaboration, experimentation and diversity. The Bauhaus school was open to artists and designers of all backgrounds and genders, and it promoted an open culture of sharing ideas and working together.
This sense of freedom and collaboration has continued to be an integral part of the design world, from the development of new products to the construction of skyscrapers.
Bauhaus has been described as a “School of Dreams” – and its dream of creating functional, minimalist and geometric designs has changed the way we design and construct our cities today.
Conclusion
The Bauhaus movement has left behind a legacy of minimalism, function and geometry in architecture, industrial design and graphic design. The ideas of form follows function and less is more have shaped the modern world and continue to influence the way we design and construct our cities today.
Sources:
V&A: Bauhaus School of Design
Wikipedia: Bauhaus
Tate: Bauhaus
Dezeen: What is the Bauhaus?
Tags: Historical Architecture, Modern
