The Bauhaus

  
             The Bauhaus “House of Building” was a German school which combined crafts and fine arts and was largely known for its publicized approach to design.  Founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, the idea of it was to create a “total” work of art in which all arts would be brought together.  The style of Bauhaus had a great influence on modern design and developments in art, architecture, and much more.  Gropius wanted to create a new group of artists who weren’t concerned with class distinctions thus having no barriers between the artists.  Architecture became a large focus at the Bauhaus in which it was to be new, functional, and cheap.  Eventually the school changed its name to Technical University of Architecture and Civil Engineering as it seemed to revolve more around the architectural department as opposed to the various arts once before.  Art and architectural trends have been impacted by the Bauhaus across Western Europe, America, and other various places.  In fact, some American art schools such as Harvard School of Design and Florida State University base their philosophies on Bauhaus theory and practice.  It is astounding that a school built and developed so long ago still has its presence in the world of art today.