fbpx
Close

id library: Bauhaus Style by Assouline

Bauhaus Style — after decades — the movement has lost none of its power

A revolutionary art school and movement of its time – and one that defined a period of modernity in (mostly) the Western world – Bauhaus and its teachings are perhaps as relevant today as they were at the start of the twentieth century. While more designers carve their niche outside of traditional modes and settle in intersectionality, the interdisciplinary programme feels necessary again in our day and age: instead of dividing disciplines, cross-fertilisation among the various practices of its teachers, artists and craftspeople can became a model once more. 

Gargarin House I in Litchfield, Connecticut, designed by Marcel Breuer, 1956-57. Photography by Mark R. Madonna

Gargarin House I in Litchfield, Connecticut, designed by Marcel Breuer, 1956-57. Photography by Mark R. Madonna

“Let us strive for, conceive and create the new building of the future, which will unite every discipline – architecture, sculpture and painting – and which will one day rise heavenward from the million hands of craftspeople as a clear symbol of a new belief to come,” architect Walter Gropius wrote in the Bauhaus Manifesto in 1919 – an attitude stands strong even today. 

Interior of an ad agency office in Madrid, designed by Iñigo Aragón and Rodrigo Aragón of Casa Josephine with Mondrian-inspired geometrics. Photography by Belén Imaz.

Interior of an ad agency office in Madrid, designed by Iñigo Aragón and Rodrigo Aragón of Casa Josephine with Mondrian-inspired geometrics. Photography by Belén Imaz.

The new publication by Assouline, authored by Mateo Kries, is a review of the Bauhaus style and looks at the evolution of modern life, from its political and social attitudes to its continuing impact on popular design. New perspectives on the school have emerged over the decades, with every generation interpreting the Bauhaus repertoire anew; yet, whether its style or its societal critique is adopted, its aesthetic continues to offer new ideas for designers of interiors, furniture, consumer products, fashion and architecture. 

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: A model walks the runway at the Mary Katrantzou Autumn Winter 2018 fashion show during London Fashion Week on February 18, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catwalking/Getty Images)

“I think the Bauhaus will speak to new generations of designers, but in different ways than today, just as its perception has evolved over the past century,” says Kries, who has been curator of the Vitra Design Museum since 1995 and is currently the director of its Berlin branch. 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by IBL/Shutterstock (10366307f)
The school existed in Germany from 1919 to 1933.It was based in Weimar until 1925, Dessau through 1932, and Berlin in its final months.
Staatliches Bauhaus, School of Design, Architecture, and Applied Arts, Dessau, Germany – 04 Jun 2019

“In the post-war era, it has been seen mainly as a stylistic movement, while in contemporary times the Bauhaus’ social impetus [was] much more relevant than its mere aesthetic. Though I can’t predict its translation in twenty years, I could see the Bauhaus inspiring a rediscovery of crafts as a sustainable practice – after all, it was the Bauhaus movement that proved craftsmanship and modern design are in fact not opposites but perfectly complementary,” he continues. Kries also adds that while many books have already been written about the modern movement, “Assouline’s book offers a more playful and subjective approach to the Bauhaus world.” 

Heidi Abrahamson, architectural ring of silver and gold, 2015. Photography courtesy of Lisa Cliff Collection.

Heidi Abrahamson, architectural ring of silver and gold, 2015. Photography courtesy of Lisa Cliff Collection.

The eclectic volume curates impactful images of architecture, art, objects, graphic design and fashion from the past 100 years, encapsulating the enduring modernity of the Bauhaus style. 

See more of Assouline here.

More of id library? Click here.

The Latest
14 hours ago

Read ‘Craft Meets Culture’ – Note from the editor – April 2025

This month, we celebrate the intersection of craft and culture, a theme that resonates throughout the issue.

March 28, 2025

Things to Covet- March 2025

Objects to add a unique sense of playfulness and personality to your space

March 27, 2025
TREDEX at ISH 2025

TREDEX Makes a Bold Debut at ISH 2025

A Defining Moment for Saudi Innovation

March 27, 2025

The Touch: Spaces Designed for the Senses

A journey through sensory-driven design

March 27, 2025
XYZ Design

Çamlıca House

Designed by Istanbul-based studio XYZ Design, this unique log house has been transformed into a full-time residence with soul

March 26, 2025
Melissa & Miller Philadelphia home

A Home Alive in Colour

Melissa & Miller infuse artful vibrance into a French Colonial home

March 26, 2025

Sculpting Sustainability

We take you inside a restaurant that hosts the world’s largest 3D-printed interiors

March 25, 2025

Salone del Mobile 2025

Here’s what to expect at the 63rd edition of the fair in Milan this year

March 24, 2025
Dragonfly

Step into Dragonfly at the Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection

A hybrid of traditional Asian elements merge with hyper - modern aesthetics at Dragonfly

March 24, 2025
Salone del mobile panel identity

identity to host panel at Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025

identity will host an exclusive panel at the Porro exhibit during the 63rd edition of the international fair

March 24, 2025

A Sleek Finish

Italian craftsmanship meets contemporary sophistication in a harmonious blend of form, function and luxury