Walter Gropius’s Programme of the Staatliches Bauhaus in
Weimar (1919) set out the philosophy of the Bauhaus.
Aim:
The ultimate aim of all art is the building. Painting, sculpture, and crafts must
unite to serve architecture. The Bauhaus sought to overcome the division
between fine arts and applied arts.
Aims of the Bauhaus:
• To unite all creative efforts into one whole.
• To train architects, painters, and sculptors as craftsmen as well as artists. •
To create a community of artist-craftsmen capable of designing buildings
harmoniously in their entirety—structure, ornament, furnishing.
Principles:
• Art itself cannot be taught, but craft can.
• Education through workshops, not classrooms.
• No distinction between teacher and student: instead, masters, journeymen,
apprentices.
• The school is the servant of the workshop.
• Stress on manual skill, creativity, individuality, and discipline.
Teaching Approach:
• Practical training through workshops and experimental sites.
• Examinations for professional levels (master/journeyman).
• Collaboration between students and masters on real commissions.
• Utopian, forward-looking designs for public life and worship.
• Close contact with crafts, industries, and public exhibitions.
Conclusion: The Bauhaus marked a radical break from traditional art
education. It sought to unite art, craft, and architecture in service of society,
creating a new harmony for the future.
5 POINT OF ARCHITECTURE LE CORBUSIER
1. The Supports (Pilotis)
• Buildings are lifted above the ground on reinforced concrete stilts (pilotis).
• This frees the ground level for gardens, air, and circulation.
• The structure is supported by regularly spaced columns rather than load-
bearing walls, allowing flexible floor plans.
2. The Roof Gardens
• Flat roofs are turned into usable spaces such as terraces and gardens.
• They compensate for the green area the building footprint takes up.
• Roof gardens provide insulation, regulate temperature, and improve the
building’s microclimate.
3. The Free Designing of the Ground Plan
• Since walls are not load-bearing, the floor plan can be freely designed.
• Rooms can be arranged without structural constraints.
• This allows maximum flexibility in spatial organization.
4. The Horizontal Window
• Long strips of windows can run across the façade.
• These windows provide even lighting, superior to vertical openings.
• They allow rooms to be lit equally from wall to wall, enhancing interior quality.
5. Free Design of the Façade
• The façade is freed from structural constraints since the supports carry the
load.
• Architects can design the exterior as they wish, independent of interior
layout.
• This allows for creativity in the expression of the building’s appearance.
Together, these five points formed the foundation of modernist
architecture and can be seen in Le Corbusier’s iconic buildings such as
the Villa Savoye.
NEW IDEAS OF ARCHITECTURE
Walter Gropius
• Architecture is not just technical or practical but a spiritual expression of
humanity—faith, passion, imagination, and vision.
• Modern buildings are often empty shells or mock-ups, lacking deeper
meaning.
• True architecture must rise from a unity of art and spirit, not just
functionality.
• The goal: a new idea of architecture where painters, sculptors, and
architects unite to build structures infused with art, soul, and meaning.
• He calls for artists to smash rigid forms and pour creativity into buildings,
turning them into a synthesis of all arts.
Adolf Behne
• Questions if there are even real architects today, since much of
modern construction is utilitarian and uninspired.
• Modern architecture often serves practical needs only
(dwellings, factories, offices), but this is not true architecture.
• True architecture must go beyond utility, aiming for a world-view
and spiritual ideal.
• Calls for architects to be seekers and dreamers, not just builders
of functional spaces.
• The future of architecture will be crystal-clear, symbolizing purity,
imagination, and unity of spirit.
Bruno Taut
• Emphasizes that architecture should be a unifying art that
integrates beauty and purpose.
• Encourages the public to take part by buying sketches and
supporting the realization of new architectural visions.
• Believes architecture must shine with radiance and not be
reduced to pure functionality.
Core New Ideas
1. Architecture is more than utility—it is a spiritual and artistic
expression.
2. The future lies in a synthesis of arts—painters, sculptors, and
architects working together.
3. Buildings should embody imagination, beauty, and meaning,
not just technical requirements.
4. True architecture will reflect a vision of the future: transparent,
radiant, and full of life.
5. Rejecting purely functional or academic design in favor of
creative, soul-driven architecture.