The Bauhaus Building in Dessau, designed by Walter Gropius, is a seminal work in the history of modernist architecture. Completed in 1926, this iconic structure embodies the principles of the Bauhaus movement, which sought to unite art, craft, and technology in a harmonious and functional design.
Bauhaus Building Technical Information
- Architects: Walter Gropius
- Location: Dessau, Germany
- Topics: Modernist architecture, Functionalism, Bauhaus movement
- Area: 8,400 m2 | 90,400 ft2
- Project Year: 1925 – 1926
- Photographs: © Federico Covre
Let us create a new guild of craftsmen without the class distinctions that raise an arrogant barrier between craftsman and artist! Together let us desire, conceive, and create the new building of the future, which will embrace architecture and sculpture and painting in one unity and which will one day rise toward heaven from the hands of a million workers like the crystal symbol of a new faith.
– Walter Gropius 3-4
Bauhaus Building Photographs
Historical Context
The Bauhaus school, founded by Walter Gropius in 1919 in Weimar, Germany, moved to Dessau in 1925 due to political pressures. The Dessau building was designed to house the school and serve as a physical manifestation of its philosophy. Gropius envisioned a space that would facilitate the integration of art and technology, promoting a new way of living and working.
Architectural Design
The Bauhaus building in Dessau is a masterpiece of functionalist design. Gropius employed a minimalist aesthetic characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and the use of industrial materials. The building’s layout reflects the Bauhaus ethos of efficiency and functionality.
Key Features:
Glass Curtain Walls: One of the most striking elements of the Bauhaus-Building is its extensive use of glass curtain walls. These walls provide ample natural light and create a sense of transparency and openness, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
Asymmetrical Composition: The building’s design is asymmetrical, reflecting the dynamic and experimental spirit of the Bauhaus movement. Each wing of the building serves a distinct function, yet they are interconnected cohesively.
Functional Zoning: Gropius meticulously planned the building’s layout to optimize functionality. The workshop wing, administration wing, and student dormitories are all designed with specific needs in mind, ensuring efficient use of space and resources.
Flat Roofs and Cantilevered Balconies: Flat roofs and cantilevered balconies exemplify the modernist rejection of traditional pitched roofs. These elements contribute to the building’s sleek aesthetic and provide practical benefits such as additional outdoor space.
Interior Design
The interior of the Bauhaus-Building is as innovative as its exterior. Gropius collaborated with leading Bauhaus artists and designers to create functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors. Modular furniture, open floor plans, and minimalistic decor reflect the school’s commitment to practical design solutions.
Notable Interior Elements:
Flexible Spaces: The interiors were designed to be adaptable, allowing for various configurations to suit different needs. This flexibility is achieved through the use of movable partitions and multifunctional furniture.
Innovative Materials: The Bauhaus designers experimented with new materials, such as tubular steel, which was used extensively in furniture design. This approach not only resulted in durable and lightweight furniture but also aligned with the building’s industrial aesthetic.
Integration of Art and Craft: True to the Bauhaus philosophy, the interiors feature works of art and craft integrated into the architecture. From wall murals to custom-designed fixtures, the building is a testament to the seamless fusion of artistic creativity and practical functionality.
Impact and Legacy
The Bauhaus Building in Dessau is more than just an architectural landmark; it symbolizes a revolutionary movement that changed the course of design and architecture. The principles Gropius and his contemporaries established at the Bauhaus continue to influence modern architectural practices.
Global Influence:
Modernist Architecture: The Bauhaus-Building’s design principles have been emulated in countless modernist buildings worldwide. Its emphasis on functionality, simplicity, and the use of industrial materials set the standard for modern architecture.
Design Education: The Bauhaus school pioneered a new approach to design education, emphasizing hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Design schools have adopted this model globally, shaping how future architects and designers are trained.
Sustainability and Efficiency: The Bauhaus Building’s efficient use of resources and focus on functional design prefigured contemporary concerns with sustainability and environmental responsibility in architecture.
Preservation and Recognition
Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the Bauhaus Building in Dessau was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Efforts have been made to preserve the building in its original state, allowing future generations to experience and learn from this architectural masterpiece.
The Bauhaus-Building in Dessau by Walter Gropius is a timeless icon of modernist architecture. Its innovative design, functional layout, and integration of art and technology embody the core principles of the Bauhaus movement. As architects and designers, we continue to draw inspiration from this groundbreaking work, ensuring that the Bauhaus’s legacy endures in contemporary architectural practice.
Bauhaus Building Plans
Bauhaus Building Image Gallery
About Walter Gropius
Walter Gropius (1883-1969) was a pioneering German architect and founder of the Bauhaus School, a revolutionary institution that merged art, craft, and technology. Born in Berlin, Gropius studied architecture before working with Peter Behrens, where he met other notable architects such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. 1919, he established the Bauhaus in Weimar, later relocating it to Dessau. Gropius’s work emphasized functionalism, simplicity, and the use of modern materials, profoundly influencing 20th-century architecture. His designs, including the iconic Bauhaus-Building in Dessau and his own residence, the Gropius House in Lincoln, Massachusetts, continue to inspire and shape contemporary architectural practices.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Bauhaus Dessau Foundation
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Bauhaus: Weimar, Dessau, Berlin, Chicago by Hans M. Wingler
- Bauhaus Architecture 1919–1933 by Bauhaus-archiv Berlin, Magdalena Droste
