6.1 Bauhaus philosophy and curriculum

The Bauhaus, founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius, revolutionized design education. It aimed to unite art, craft, and technology, emphasizing functionality and simplicity. The school's philosophy of "form follows function" became a cornerstone of modern design.

The Bauhaus curriculum was groundbreaking, starting with the Vorkurs foundation course. It then progressed to interdisciplinary workshops that blended traditional craftsmanship with industrial design principles. This approach prepared students for the rapidly changing world of mass production and modernization.

Bauhaus Leadership and Philosophy

Walter Gropius and the Bauhaus Vision

Top images from around the web for Walter Gropius and the Bauhaus Vision

• 

  Bauhaus - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Escuela de la Bauhaus - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bauhaus - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Escuela de la Bauhaus - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Walter Gropius and the Bauhaus Vision

• 

  Bauhaus - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Escuela de la Bauhaus - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bauhaus - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Escuela de la Bauhaus - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus school in 1919 in Weimar, Germany with the goal of unifying art, craft, and technology
• Gropius believed in the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk, which translates to "total work of art" and refers to the synthesis of multiple art forms into a single, cohesive whole
• The Bauhaus philosophy emphasized the idea that form follows function, meaning that the design of an object should be primarily based on its intended purpose rather than purely aesthetic considerations (simple, geometric forms)
• Gropius and the Bauhaus played a significant role in the development of Modernism, a cultural movement that embraced innovation, experimentation, and a break from traditional styles

Philosophical Foundations of the Bauhaus

• The Bauhaus philosophy was rooted in Rationalism, which prioritized reason, logic, and functionality in design
• Gropius and his colleagues believed that good design could improve people's lives by creating functional, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing objects for everyday use (furniture, household items)
• The Bauhaus sought to bridge the gap between art and industry by training students to create designs that could be mass-produced using modern manufacturing techniques
• The school's approach challenged the traditional hierarchy between fine arts and applied arts, advocating for the unity of all creative disciplines

Bauhaus Curriculum

Vorkurs: The Foundation Course

• The Bauhaus curriculum began with the Vorkurs, a preliminary course that all students were required to take regardless of their area of specialization
• Developed by Johannes Itten, the Vorkurs focused on exploring the fundamental principles of design, color theory, and material properties
• Students engaged in exercises that encouraged experimentation, creativity, and a hands-on approach to learning (paper folding, color studies)
• The Vorkurs aimed to break down preconceived notions about art and design, preparing students for the innovative and interdisciplinary nature of the Bauhaus curriculum

Interdisciplinary Approach and Workshops

• The Bauhaus curriculum was structured around interdisciplinary workshops that brought together students from different fields to collaborate on projects
• Workshops included cabinetmaking, metalworking, weaving, pottery, typography, and wall painting, among others
• Each workshop was led by a master craftsman and an artist, fostering a dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and modern artistic vision (Marianne Brandt in metalworking, Gunta Stölzl in weaving)
• The interdisciplinary approach encouraged students to think beyond the boundaries of their specific discipline and consider the broader implications of their work

Craftsmanship and Industrial Design

• The Bauhaus placed a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, believing that a deep understanding of materials and techniques was essential for creating high-quality, functional designs
• Students learned to work with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and textiles, and were encouraged to explore the inherent properties and possibilities of each material
• At the same time, the Bauhaus recognized the importance of designing for mass production and sought to integrate industrial manufacturing processes into its curriculum
• Students were taught to consider factors such as standardization, efficiency, and affordability when creating designs, preparing them for careers in the rapidly industrializing world (Marcel Breuer's tubular steel furniture)

Historical Context

The Weimar Republic and Post-World War I Germany

• The Bauhaus was established during the Weimar Republic, a period of political, social, and economic instability in Germany following World War I
• The devastating effects of the war and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles left Germany in a state of upheaval, with widespread poverty, inflation, and political unrest
• In this context, the Bauhaus emerged as a progressive institution that sought to rebuild and reshape German society through the power of design
• The school's emphasis on social responsibility, affordability, and functionality resonated with the needs of the post-war era, as Germany sought to reconstruct and modernize its infrastructure and housing (Bauhaus-designed social housing projects)
• However, the Bauhaus also faced significant challenges during the Weimar period, including political opposition from conservative factions who viewed the school as a threat to traditional German values
• Despite these challenges, the Bauhaus persevered and continued to develop its innovative approach to design education, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of architecture, design, and art education