Bauhaus Sites: Explore the Architecture and History of German Modernism
The Bauhaus movement was one of the most influential design and architectural movements of the 20th century. It brought a new outlook to the design of buildings, furniture, and other objects, and it continues to influence contemporary design trends today. The movement is strongly associated with the German city of Weimar, where the Bauhaus school was founded, but there are many other Bauhaus sites across Germany, each of them offering a unique insight into the movement’s history and influence.
What is Bauhaus, and What Does it Represent?
The Bauhaus movement was led by the German architect Walter Gropius, who founded the Bauhaus school in Weimar in 1919. The school was intended to be a place where artists, architects, and designers from many different disciplines could come together to learn and collaborate. The ultimate goal was to bring together art and technology, and to create a new form of modern architecture that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The school’s teaching and philosophy focused on the idea of “form follows function.” That is, the form of a building or object should be determined by its function. This design philosophy was adopted by many of the school’s students, and it remains influential today.
The Bauhaus movement also had a strong political element, as its founders and students believed in the idea of a more equitable society. The movement sought to create a more democratic and egalitarian form of architecture.
Exploring Bauhaus Sites in Germany
The original Bauhaus school in Weimar is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most important Bauhaus sites in Germany. The building, which was designed by Gropius, was the original home of the Bauhaus school, and it is now a museum, offering visitors a chance to explore the building’s history and to learn about the Bauhaus movement.
The Bauhaus Archive in Berlin is another important Bauhaus site. This museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the design and architecture of the Bauhaus movement. It houses a collection of Bauhaus-related documents, photographs, and artifacts, and it also offers interactive exhibits and educational programs.
The Bauhaus Dessau Foundation is a museum and foundation in Dessau, which is located south of Berlin. The foundation was established in 1925 and its goal is to preserve and promote Bauhaus design. The foundation also runs a Bauhaus museum, which displays a selection of furniture, paintings, and other objects related to the movement.
The Bauhaus City Dessau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is the only city in Germany that is entirely dedicated to Bauhaus design. The city was designed in 1925, and it features a number of Bauhaus-style buildings, including the iconic Masters’ Houses, which were designed by Gropius.
The city of Frankfurt am Main also has a number of important Bauhaus sites, including the Stadel Museum, which houses a collection of Bauhaus-related art and design objects, and the Frankfurt School, which was founded by several former Bauhaus students and teachers.
Conclusion
The Bauhaus movement was one of the most influential design and architectural movements of the 20th century, and its influence can still be seen today. The German cities of Weimar, Berlin, Dessau, and Frankfurt am Main all have important Bauhaus sites, each of them offering a unique insight into the movement’s history and influence. Whether