Modernism Flashcards
When was the modernism design movement?
1900-1930
Why did the modernism design movement happen?
Modernist architects and designers rejected the old style of designing based upon natural form and materials.
They believed in ‘the machine aesthetic’, which celebrated new technology, mechanised industry and modern materials that symbolised the new 20th century. They preferred to emphasise the materials used and pure geometrical forms. They went by the motto ‘less is more’.
How did buildings change under modernism?
Many high-rise blocks of flats with repetitive ‘cubes’ as living spaces were built as they believed architecture should be treated like mass production.
They started removing interior walls of houses and adopted open living spaces.
When was the Bauhaus movement?
1919-1933
Why did the Bauhaus movement occur?
The German economy was in a state of collapse following Germany’s defeat in the First World War. A new school of art and design was opened in Weimar to help rebuild the country and form a new social order. It was named Bauhaus’ meaning ‘house for building’, which was to combine all the arts in ideal unity. The Bauhaus school disbanded in 1933 when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party rose to power.
Bauhaus features
The Bauhaus contained a carpenters workshop, a metal workshop, a pottery, mural painting, weaving, printing and wood and stone sculpting. The aim was to remove any distinction between fine arts and applied arts.
They believed in form follows function- they used simple geometric forms with clean lines whilst producing high end functional products.
They also believed in the machine look- didn’t want the products to look natural but automated.
Wanted the products to be affordable for everyday people.
Who was Marcel Breuer?
Marcel Breuer was born in Hungary and studied at the Bauhaus.
He created his best known piece of art, the ‘Wassily’ chair. The chair demonstrates the principles of Bauhaus design. It was revolutionary in its use of materials (bent steel tubes and leather) and methods of manufacturing.
Who was Marianne Brandt?
Marianne Brandt was a former student of the Bauhaus who is considered to be one of the major forces behind modern industrial design, designing lamps, household objects and tea and coffee services whilst at the Bauhaus.
