The History of Bauhaus Style: A Movement That Revolutionized Modern Design
The Bauhaus style is more than just an aesthetic; it’s an artistic and architectural movement that had a profound impact on the 20th century and continues to influence contemporary design. Founded in Germany in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius, Bauhaus disrupted artistic conventions and pioneered a more functional and minimalist approach to design. In this article, we explore the history of Bauhaus, its core principles, and its lasting impact on the worlds of art, architecture, and interior design.
The origins of the Bauhaus
The Bauhaus, which literally means "building house," emerged in the aftermath of World War I, amidst a period of social and cultural reconstruction. Walter Gropius, the movement's founder, established the Bauhaus school in Weimar, Germany, with a revolutionary vision: to bring together the arts, crafts, and architecture to create functional, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing works. His goal was to eliminate the boundaries between the applied and fine arts, while emphasizing utility and simplicity.
Photo by Walter Gropius in 1919
The principles of Bauhaus
The Bauhaus is distinguished by several key principles that have shaped its identity:
1. Form follows function
One of the fundamental principles of Bauhaus is that design should be primarily functional. Objects, furniture and buildings created in this style emphasize utility, without superfluous decorative elements. This minimalist approach aimed to make design accessible to all, while remaining aesthetically pleasing.
2. Unity between the arts
Gropius wanted the different artistic disciplines (painting, sculpture, architecture, graphic design, etc.) to work together to create complete and integrated works. This collaboration between the arts is at the heart of the Bauhaus style, with creations that often combine different forms of expression.
3. Minimalism and geometry
Bauhaus is characterized by the use of simple geometric shapes, such as circles, rectangles, and straight lines. These shapes, combined with primary colors such as red, blue, and yellow, create a clean and harmonious aesthetic. The emphasis is on reducing elements to the essentials.
4. Modern materials
The Bauhaus encouraged the use of new materials such as steel, concrete, glass and laminated wood. These materials, often associated with industrialization, made it possible to produce furniture and buildings that were durable and functional, while remaining elegant.
The impact of Bauhaus on architecture
The influence of Bauhaus is particularly visible in modern architecture. The Bauhaus architectural style favors simple, functional structures stripped of excessive ornamentation. Bauhaus buildings, often characterized by cubic forms, clean facades, and the generous use of glass to maximize natural light, have become symbols of modernism.
Iconic examples include the Bauhaus school buildings in Dessau, designed by Gropius himself, as well as numerous constructions around the world, including in Israel, in the city of Tel Aviv, often nicknamed the "white city" because of its many Bauhaus buildings.
Bauhaus School in Dessau (credit: Thomas Lewandovski)
The influence of Bauhaus on interior design
The impact of the Bauhaus was not limited to architecture; it also left an indelible mark on interior design. Bauhaus furniture, such as Marcel Breuer's Wassily chair or the Wagenfeld lamp , have become classics of modern design. These creations are distinguished by their use of industrial materials and functional simplicity.
In interior design, Bauhaus principles are reflected in the use of primary colors, clean lines, and geometric furniture. Bauhaus-inspired interiors emphasize open spaces, natural light, and functional furniture arrangements to create environments that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Bauhaus Today: An Influence Still Present
Despite its closure in 1933 under pressure from the Nazi regime, the influence of the Bauhaus continued far beyond the borders of Germany. Many Bauhaus teachers and students emigrated to the United States, Israel, and other countries, taking the ideas and principles of the movement with them.
Today, the Bauhaus style continues to inspire architects, designers and artists around the world. It has influenced movements such as modernism and minimalism, and its influence is particularly visible in contemporary interiors, where simple shapes, neutral colours and functionality are favoured.
At Hebumo, we celebrate this legacy with our Bauhaus poster collection, which draws inspiration from the geometric shapes, clean lines and bold colours characteristic of this movement. Our minimalist posters reflect the very essence of Bauhaus, offering designs that combine simplicity and elegance.
Conclusion
Bauhaus is more than just an artistic style; it is a movement that changed the way we think about art, architecture and design. Its influence continues in contemporary spaces, where the principles of simplicity, functionality and harmony are more present than ever.
If you are looking for Bauhaus inspired decorative pieces, explore our collection of Bauhaus posters at Hebumo, and bring a touch of modernism and minimalism to your interior.
