Bauhaus Architecture

From 1919 to 1933, Germany gave to the world the Bauhaus school of architecture. Founded by Walter Gropius, the name Bauhaus comes from the German words for -to build- and -house-.

Very basic in its meaning, the Bauhaus architecture is just that. Basic shapes, geometric designs and little frill and fancy. Though its founder was an architect, for the first several years, the Staatliches Bauhaus School in Germany refined the crafts and fine arts but did not actually include an architecture department.

The Bauhaus architectural style became the basis for current Modernist architecture. These structures are primarily simple in form and without ornamentation.

The forms were simple and functional with the idea of mass production with some artistic spirit thrown in. When Bauhaus Architecture was at its peak, an entire group of architects turned away from their fancy, over designed structures and into a more standard, basic way of design.

Understandably, Bauhaus Architecture is most commonly found in Germany, but its influences reached the United States and even Tel Aviv in the time following its demise in Germany due exile.

In fact the UN because of its abundance of Bauhaus now lists Tel Aviv as a world heritage site. In the late 1930s the Bauhaus Architecture was brought to the U.S. Namely Chicago, Illinois, where the New Bauhaus School was founded.

As the basics for our modern day minimalist style, Bauhaus architecture is still being practiced today. In fact, at the Florida State University, the Master Craftsman Program is utilizing the Bauhaus theory and practices.