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. …Read more >>

Architecture

Architecture is the science and art of designing buildings and other structures. It can also be expanded to the designing of surrounding environments, towns and landscapes.

Someone who specializes in architecture is called an architect. Architecture has played a key part of our entire worlds history. For wherever there have been buildings or structures that were safe for inhabiting, there has been some sort of architecture.

Architecture combines functionality with aesthetics to create the buildings we live in, work in and play in. From the smallest 1 bedroom home to the grandest palace or biggest cathedral, every structure is based on some form of architecture.

Architectural designs change with time and space. Each era has its own style of architecture, from Baroque, Greco-Roman, Art Deco, Victorian to American Colonial, Prairie, and Bauhaus. Lines, materials, structure and symbolism all contribute to the different styles of architecture.

Architecture styles can be anywhere from subtle to garish and materials vary from lumber to limestone. Most early styles of architecture though utilize local materials that were bountiful.

In Greece for example, where limestone was plentiful, most structures were created from this natural material. And since marble was not only rare but for a few select islands, but very difficult to transport, it was used sparingly and usually only for ornamentation.

In Colonial America, Saltbox houses were created from timber since it was so readily available and most properties had abundance so it cost next to nothing. And to save more money, these Saltbox houses were also put together with joints because the cost of nails was an unnecessary expense. …Read more >>