QUIZ 4: De Stijl; Bauhaus; International Style
What are the three principles of International Style architecture? How are Le Corbusier's "Five Points of New Architecture" similar? How are they different?
1. VOLUME RATHER THAN MASS-looks large, but doesn't take up much space 2. SYMMETRY FROM ELEMENTS & REGULARITY- they decided columns were crucial 3. PROPORTIONS & MATERIALS- rather than Decoration-no extra stuff! Le Corbusier's points were similar to these in that he believed that there should be "free plan," meaning no walls; this theory is similar to the principle of "volume rather than mass" because it makes a space bigger, literally and visually. Another similar pair of principles is the use of "symmetry from elements;" it can be said that Le Corbusier may have had a similar belief since he pointed out that new architecture should have strip windows (which could definitely bring in the symmetry). However, by the same token, "free plan" also meant "no obstruction" in Le Corbusier's book. These two sets of principles and points differ because the International style believed that columns were crucial. Overall, in my opinion, there are more similarities than differences between the principles of International Style and Le Corbusier's points of new architecture. It seems that Le Corbusier's points are more detailed whereas the International Style principles are more vague in description.
What is the Bauhaus? What are the primary design principles of the Bauhaus designers?
A GERMAN SCHOOL of art and design intended to unite art, craftsmanship, and technology in an aesthetic expression that reflects modern industrial life. Bauhaus designers primarily used the principles of FUNCTION, SIMPLICITY, MASS PRODUCTION, GEOMETRIC FORM. They also believed in the absence of applied ornaments as well as the use of new materials and methods of construction.
What is common about the interiors of De Stijl homes and of Bauhaus homes?
Both De Stijl and Bauhaus home interiors were simple and geometric with flat ceilings and right angles. Their walls have no ornamentation; De Stijl sometimes used primary colors to delineate spaces while Bauhaus seemed to use accent walls.
How do early Bauhaus furniture designs differ from later Bauhaus designs? What do they have in common (how would you recognize them)?
Early Bauhaus furniture pieces were typically made of WOOD, inspired by PRIMITIVE or EXOTIC SOURCES, whereas, later Bauhaus furniture was often made of TUBULAR STEEL and thin STRIPS & SHEETS. Both early and late furniture of Bauhaus share the elements and are recognized by geometric shapes, easy to care for and function. This furniture is also recognized by their Industrial materials as well as an industrial style/look.
What are the primary design concepts of De Stijl Architecture?
This style focused on total unity, OPEN spatial relationships, asymmetry, RECTANGULAR shapes, repeated indoors, windows, GEOMETRY, blocks of PRIMARY COLORS, right angles, and elimination of ornaments. Concepts: they took the traditional house apart, analyzed it like an object, abstracted it to eliminate traditional references, and then reassemble it in a new way. Elements: flat roof, asymmetry, geometric forms, and white or gray walls with details highlighted by primary colors.
