Pioneer of Modern Architecture — Walter Gropius

1. The New Unity of Art and Technology

The Barcelona Chair, an iconic work of the Bauhaus, embodies the fusion of art and modern craftsmanship. It leverages new geometric artisanal techniques and innovative materials, breaking free from the constraints of "art for art’s sake" and shifting toward a design philosophy that prioritizes creating practical objects for the masses—one that aligns with the demands of emerging technological advancements. Simply put, it redefined the notion of design = art to design = art + technology, with a core focus on functionality.

2. Functionalist Design Philosophy

The Fagus Factory, designed by Walter Gropius in 1911, is the world’s earliest building featuring a glass curtain wall structure. The German Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe—the third director of the Bauhaus—champions a design ethos of simplicity in form, extreme functionalism and rationality, and rejects ornate decorative styles. Ornamentation was discarded; the school emphasized that function is the core and purpose of design, rather than treating decoration as its starting point. Instead, it placed greater emphasis on the scientificity and functionality of design. This is evident in the Bauhaus Dessau building: the aesthetic of Bauhaus interior design leans into a pure, authentic approach—characterized by geometric forms, color palettes of black, white and primary hues, a rejection of fussy adornments, and a commitment to the use of raw, unadulterated materials.

3. Design for the People, Design in Accordance with the Laws of Nature and Objectivity