The Timeless Relevance of Bauhaus

Ever found yourself marvelling at the clean lines and functional beauty of a classic Bauhaus design? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a journey back in time to explore how this revolutionary school of thought can supercharge your approach to multidisciplinary design today.

I’m Connor O’Neill, a multidisciplinary designer, and I’m here to show you how the principles of Bauhaus, born a century ago, are more relevant than ever in our fast-paced, technology-driven world.

What is Bauhaus: More Than Just Primary Colours and Basic Shapes

Now, I’ll be honest – when I first heard about Bauhaus as a graphic designer, I thought it was just about primary colours and basic shapes. Boy, was I wrong! The Bauhaus was so much more than that. It was a complete revolution in how we think about design, art, and craftsmanship.

Founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany, the Bauhaus was a school that aimed to unify art, craft, and technology. The name “Bauhaus” literally translates to “building house,” but its influence extended far beyond architecture.

The Bauhaus Philosophy: Form Follows Function

At its core, the Bauhaus philosophy was all about stripping away unnecessary ornamentation and focusing on the essential function of a design.

They had this catchy phrase: “Form follows function.” It means that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended purpose or function.

But here’s where it gets interesting for us multidisciplinary designers – the Bauhaus didn’t just apply this principle to architecture. They applied it to everything from furniture and household objects to graphic design and typography.

The Bauhaus Curriculum: A Model for Multidisciplinary Learning

Now, let’s talk about the Bauhaus curriculum, because this is where things get really exciting for us modern multidisciplinary designers.

In their first year at the school, students would get trained on everything from color theory to wall painting, stone masonry, woodworking, and metalwork.

They emphasized the importance of designers understanding these tools and techniques so that they could create better, more innovative work.

Sound familiar? It should, because this is exactly what we’re talking about when we discuss multidisciplinary design today. The Bauhaus was training students to be versatile, to understand how different disciplines interconnect, and to apply principles across various fields.

Bauhaus Masters: The Original Multidisciplinary Designers

Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the Bauhaus masters, because these folks were the original multidisciplinary designers.

Take László Moholy-Nagy, for example. This guy was a painter, photographer, typographer, sculptor, and even a stage designer. He embodied the Bauhaus ideal of the comprehensive artist.

Or consider Marcel Breuer. He started out as a carpenter at the Bauhaus, then went on to design some of the most iconic furniture of the 20th century, and later became a renowned architect.

These masters didn’t confine themselves to a single discipline. They moved fluidly between different areas of design, applying their skills and principles wherever they saw an opportunity for innovation.

Bauhaus Principles for Modern Multidisciplinary Designers

So, how can we apply Bauhaus principles to our work as modern multidisciplinary designers? Here are a few key lessons:

1. Embrace simplicity: The Bauhaus ethos of “less is more” is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. In our age of information overload, clean, functional design stands out.
2. Understand materials: The Bauhaus emphasized a deep understanding of materials. For us, that might mean really getting to grips with the capabilities of our digital tools, or exploring how different design software can work together.
3. Unify art and technology: The Bauhaus aimed to bridge the gap between artistic vision and industrial production. Today, we can apply this principle by finding creative ways to use emerging technologies in our designs.
4. Learn by doing: The Bauhaus workshop model emphasized hands-on learning. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new tools and techniques – that’s how you’ll grow as a multidisciplinary designer.
5. Collaborate across disciplines: The Bauhaus brought together artists, craftsmen, and designers. Look for opportunities to collaborate with professionals from different fields – you’ll be amazed at what you can learn.

The Bauhaus Legacy in Modern Design Tools

The spirit of Bauhaus lives on in many of the tools we use today. Take Adobe Creative Cloud, for instance. Just as the Bauhaus sought to unify different artistic disciplines, Adobe’s suite of tools allows us to seamlessly move between graphic design, photo editing, video production, and even 3D modeling.

Photoshop’s layers system, for example, echoes the Bauhaus principle of breaking complex designs down into simpler elements. Illustrator’s vector tools embody the Bauhaus ideal of clean, geometric forms. And Adobe XD carries forward the Bauhaus emphasis on form following function in user interface design.

Ready to channel your inner Bauhaus master? Check out Adobe Creative Cloud.

Bauhaus in the Digital Age: Adapting Historical Principles

Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Connor, the Bauhaus was all about physical materials and industrial production. How does that apply in our digital world?”

Great question! While the materials we work with have changed, the underlying principles remain incredibly relevant.

Take the Bauhaus workshop model, for example. Today, we might not be working with wood and metal, but we are working with code, pixels, and user interactions. The principle of understanding your materials deeply still applies – it’s just that our materials are now often digital.

Or consider the Bauhaus emphasis on typography. They revolutionized print design with their clean, sans-serif fonts. Today, we’re still applying those same principles to web design, ensuring readability and hierarchy in our digital interfaces.

Learning from Bauhaus: A Personal Journey

Let me share a bit of my own journey with Bauhaus principles. When I was working in that makerspace I mentioned earlier, I found myself surrounded by 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. At first, I felt a bit lost – how could a graphic designer make use of all this?

But then I remembered the Bauhaus approach. I started to really learn about these machines, understanding their capabilities and limitations. At one point we were questioning whether we could give ourselves laser tattoos!

I began to see how I could apply my design skills to create 3D-printed prototypes, or use the laser cutter to create unique textures for my graphic designs.

It was a lightbulb moment. I realized that by embracing this multidisciplinary approach, by really understanding different tools and techniques, I could create designs that were truly innovative.

Conclusion: Carrying the Bauhaus Torch

As we wrap up, I want you to remember this: the Bauhaus wasn’t just a school or a style. It was a way of thinking about design. It was about breaking down barriers between disciplines, about seeing the connections between different forms of creativity.

And that, my friends, is exactly what we’re doing as multidisciplinary designers today.

So the next time you’re faced with a design challenge, ask yourself: What would the Bauhaus masters do? How can I strip this down to its essential function? How can I bring together different disciplines to create something truly innovative?

Remember, the Bauhaus may have closed its doors in 1933, but its spirit lives on in every designer who dares to cross boundaries, to experiment, and to see the world in new ways.

Now go out there and design like a Bauhaus master. The world is waiting for your innovations!