StaatlichesBauhaus

Bauhaus: Both Avant-Garde and Regressive

If you're familiar with design, you've probably heard of the Bauhaus school (Staatliches Bauhaus) or its philosophy, Bauhaus Modernism. It's the birthplace of modern design, known for prioritizing function over form, embracing minimalist, avant-garde aesthetics, and using primary colors like red, yellow, and blue. In 1919, when Bauhaus was founded, its director Walter Gropius declared, “This school is open to anyone of good character, regardless of age or gender.” At a time when women had limited access to public education, Bauhaus's commitment to gender equality was widely celebrated. In fact, during its first year, more women applied than men. The “Gender Equality” at Bauhaus: An Unfulfilled Promise However, this surge of female students worried Gropius, who feared that too man...