Bauhaus: Overcoming Criticism and Ridicule Due to Progressive Thinking

Before delving into the major criticisms and ridicule that Bauhaus faced, it is important to acknowledge the significant contributions of its thinkers and practitioners. Bauhaus, often celebrated for its progressive and out-of-box thinking, soared on innovative designs and philosophies that were ahead of its time. However, much of the contemporary backlash against Bauhaus was not due to its experimental nature but due to political opposition.

During the interwar period, Bauhaus was deeply criticized for its perceived national and ideological leanings. It wasn’t because of its daring and revolutionary approach that it faced opposition. The major criticism and ridicule stemmed from its position in the cultural and political landscape of Europe, particularly during the rise of Nazi Germany. Bauhaus, often seen as the epitome of modernism, fell under the scrutiny of Nazi authorities due to the Jewish heritage of many of its key figures and the cosmopolitan nature of its artistic endeavors.

Resistance to Independent Creative Thinking

The German government, in particular, resented the non-conformist creative thinking at the heart of Bauhaus. The school encouraged students to challenge traditional design norms and to produce work that could be sold to the public, fostering a culture of innovation and utility that was at odds with the prevailing aesthetic and political ideologies. This independent spirit was the source of much of the criticism and persecution that Bauhaus faced in Nazi-led Germany.

Nazi Opposition and the Suspension of Bauhaus

In 1932, the Nazi party gained control in Dessau, a city in Germany, and as a result, the Nazi majority suspended the Bauhaus school. Paul Schultze-Naumburg, an architect sent by the Nazis, aimed to reinstill a sense of ‘pure German art'. He deemed Bauhaus furniture as mere 'boxes', a sentiment that mirrored the Nazi perception of modernist art as 'cosmopolitan rubbish'. The school’s closure was marked by political actions; on April 11, 1933, the police finally shut down the institution, signaling its end in Germany.

The Flight of Bauhaus Figures

With the Nazi takeover, many Bauhaus figures emigrated to escape persecution. Walter Gropius, one of the founders of the school, fled to Harvard University in the United States. Here, he continued to promote Bauhaus principles, teaching that all design should stem from problem-solving, driven by functionality and modernist principles. Gropius’s belief in addressing the needs of society through innovative design practices laid the groundwork for modern design education.

Another notable figure, Mies van der Rohe, also moved to the United States in 1937, becoming the director of the School of Architecture at Chicago’s Armour Institute (now Illinois Institute of Technology). Van der Rohe was particularly instrumental in making the actual supports of his buildings a dominant architectural feature, emphasizing functionality and clean lines, further solidifying the legacy of Bauhaus in American architecture.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the significant challenges and resistance, Bauhaus left a lasting impact on the world of art, design, and architecture. Its emphasis on modernist principles, functional design, and innovative thinking continues to influence contemporary practices. The school’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of progressive and out-of-the-box thinking in the face of cultural and political pressures.

In conclusion, Bauhaus was not primarily criticized for its innovative and progressive thinking but for its association with Jewish heritage and the cosmopolitan nature of its artistic pursuits during a time of intense nationalism. The school’s flight of key figures and forced closure under Nazi rule do not diminish its enduring impact on modernist design and architectural practices.