Bauhaus Design: The People’s Design School

An Ode to the Longevity of The Bauhaus.

The Bauhaus Design Movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, revolutionized the way we perceive and create art, design, and architecture.

This movement, characterized by its emphasis on functionality, simplicity, and unity, left an indelible mark on modern design.

Join us as we will delve into the lasting power of the Bauhaus Movement.

The Origins of the Bauhaus Movement

A Revolutionary Idea in Art and Design

The Bauhaus Movement was founded by Walter Gropius in 1919 in Weimar, Germany.

Gropius’s vision was to create a design aesthetic that combined fine arts, crafts, and industrial design. It soon became know as the Staatliches Bauhaus, with the aim to bridge the gap between art and industry.

 A Response to Societal Changes

The Bauhaus Movement emerged during a period of significant social and economic change.

After World War I, there was a strong desire to rebuild society and create a new world order (can anyone say post-Covid??).

The Bauhaus embraced this spirit of renewal promoting functional and affordable designs to improve everyday life.

This ethos resonated with the broader modernist movement – which broke from historical styles – to embrace innovation.

Prominent Leaders of the Bauhaus Movement

Walter Gropius: The Visionary Founder

Walter Gropius was a German architect and the founding director of the Bauhaus. His innovative ideas laid the foundation for the movement. Gropius emphasized the importance of collaboration and valued equality by a person’s contribution.

His aim was to foster an environment where artists, architects and craftsmen worked together.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: Master of Minimalism

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who succeeded Gropius as the director of the Bauhaus in 1930, is renowned for his minimalist approach to architecture.

His famous aphorism, “Less is more” encapsulated the Bauhaus ethos.

His designs – characterized by clean lines and open spaces – continues to influence modern architecture.

Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky: Pioneers of Abstract Art

Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky, both influential painters and teachers at the Bauhaus, shaped the movement’s artistic direction.

Klee’s whimsical and expressive works explored color theory and abstract forms.

Kandinsky’s bold compositions pushed the boundaries of abstract art. Together they encouraged students to experiment with their own creativity, to be individuals.

Good old Walter himself.

The Inspiration Behind Bauhaus Designs

Emphasis on Functionality

At the heart of Bauhaus design is the principle of functionality. The movement rejected ornamental excess in favor of clean, utilitarian forms.

This approach was influenced by the belief that good design should serve a practical purpose and enhance the user’s experience, an ethos evident in the iconic Bauhaus furniture.

Integration of Art and Technology

The Bauhaus Movement sought to unite art and technology to reflect industrial advancement. By incorporating modern materials and production techniques, Bauhaus designers sought to create affordable, mass-producible objects.

Bauhaus was to be a movement of the people and by the people.

In many respects in helped create the modern consumer-based economy.

Influence of Modernist Ideals

Bauhaus was also deeply influenced by broader modernist ideals. Modernism rejected historical styles emphasizing innovation.

This resonated with those who saw themselves as the vanguard of progressive society.

The Legacy of the Bauhaus Movement

Redefining Design Education

One of the most significant contributions of the Bauhaus Movement was its revolutionary approach to design education. The Bauhaus curriculum integrated practical workshops with theoretical studies, encouraging students to learn by doing.

This empowered students with a strong understanding of how to meld materials and techniques.

Iconic Bauhaus Designs

The Bauhaus Movement produced a wealth of iconic designs that continue to inspire.

Both the sleek, tubular steel furniture of Marcel Breuer and the geometric typography of Herbert Bayer, embody the movement’s principles of simplicity, functionality and innovation.

Influence on Modern Architecture

The impact of the Bauhaus Movement on architecture cannot be overstated. Bauhaus principles paved the way for modernist architecture. Bauhaus principles can be seen in the works of renowned architects such as Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, whose designs prioritize form and function.

Ode to Bauhaus Swim Suit

Supporting Sustainable and Thoughtful Design

Sustainability through design is a key value today. This can be achieved by valuing quality.

When great design is melded with quality construction objects are used, not thrown out.

That in part is what the Art Concierge Clothing is trying to achieve.  Our lines of artful clothing are designed and constructed to make you want to wear anything you buy for years to come.

Ode to Bauhaus Towel.

Become Part of a Rich Design Community

Support Bauhaus design and you will be welcomed into a creative community.

You give it the power to positively affect society.

The Bauhaus transformed its society, join in its traditions and become an innovator yourself.

BE YOU, BE ORIGINAL, BE HAPPY