Bauhaus architecture has always fascinated me, and I wonder why? I think it is the combination of mathematical clarity, functional beauty, and material honesty that excites me so much about it.
Founded by Walter Gropius in 1919 in Weimar, Bauhaus shifted its focus from craft to industrial design before political pressure forced its relocation to Dessau in 1925. In Dessau, Bauhaus architecture truly matured. Gropius designed the iconic Dessau Bauhaus building (1925–1926), which showcased the movement’s defining principles. The Bauhaus was forced to close in 1933 under Nazi pressure, but its ideas spread worldwide as Bauhaus members emigrated to other countries.
The buildings radiate clarity and aesthetics, creating a special sense of calm within me. In an often hectic world, Bauhaus architecture feels to me like a counterpoint: ordered, quiet, clear, and controlled. Concrete, glass, steel and wood are the central materials that define this architectural style. Large window surfaces, open spaces, and transparent structures create brightness and a sense of spaciousness. Although Bauhaus is over 100 years old, many of its buildings still look modern today.
To see one of the founding sites of Bauhaus architecture, I decided last month to travel to Dessau, near Leipzig (Germany). This little photo safari took me to an interesting part of Germany. In this post, I am leaving out the typical photos from the tourist brochures. Instead, I am showing a few impressions from special perspectives.
PS:
Just as a side note: while writing, I noticed that several themes appear here that play an important role in my life: clarity, control, open spaces, and expansiveness. I am not a psychologist, but perhaps this explains exactly why I feel uncomfortable in closed or crowded spaces. I will work on it :).
Let me know what you think about my post.
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Hi Michael, I truly love and appreciate your commentary. Love the photographs and backstory on Bauhaus architect. The photographs are beautiful.
Michael, I enjoyed so much your commentary on Bauhaus architecture. It also spoke to your photography’s linear, unadorned, geometric style. The experience of reading your thoughts while also visually experiencing your vision was quite wonderful! xos