This chapter, "Extreme Living," explores the radical architectural and design movements in Germany during the Weimar Republic (1919-1933), particularly focusing on the Bauhaus and its clash with more traditional, nationalistic styles. It examines how these movements sought to redefine living spaces and lifestyles in the wake of World War I, reflecting a broader societal upheaval.
The Bauhaus, championed by figures like Walter Gropius and Bruno Taut, aimed for a complete overhaul of design, emphasizing functionality, simplicity, and the integration of all arts. Gropius's Bauhaus Manifesto called for a new building of the future, a "crystalline symbol of a new coming faith," rejecting historical styles and embracing modernity. Taut, known for social housing projects, fiercely criticized the ornate facades of the "Gründerzeit" era, advocating for the demolition of outdated and inauthentic architecture. The Bauhaus vision was to create buildings and objects that were "detoxified, pure, liberated from all superficial trappings," driven by a spirit of collaboration and interdisciplinary work. Artists like Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and László Moholy-Nagy joined the Bauhaus, contributing to its revolutionary approach. Even everyday objects like chess sets were redesigned according to Bauhaus principles, reduced to their geometric essence.
However, the Bauhaus wasn't solely focused on aesthetics. The movement also promoted a sense of community and a re-thinking of lifestyles. Members engaged in communal living, celebrated parties, and even experimented with unconventional diets and rituals. This unconventional lifestyle, along with the Bauhaus's embrace of modernity, drew criticism from conservative circles in Weimar, who saw it as a threat to traditional values. The Bauhaus's reputation as a "Bolshevik madhouse" and far-right agitation eventually led to its expulsion from Weimar in 1925. Internal tensions also contributed to the troubles, particularly between the mystical Johannes Itten and the rationalist Gropius.
The chapter also highlights the complex role of women in the Bauhaus. Despite attracting many forward-thinking women with the promise of equality, the school struggled with gender bias. Gropius himself worried that the high proportion of women would damage the Bauhaus's reputation and limited their participation. Women were often relegated to weaving or photography, though the weaving mill became one of the school's most innovative and financially successful departments, spearheaded by Gunta Stölzl. Other prominent Bauhaus women like Marianne Brandt and Lucia Moholy made significant contributions to design and photography, though often uncredited or undervalued.
The chapter contrasts the Bauhaus's ideals with the realities of mass housing construction during the Weimar Republic. Faced with a severe housing shortage in impoverished urban areas, architects like Ernst May and Martin Wagner spearheaded massive social housing projects. These projects prioritized affordability and functionality, often resulting in uniform and minimalist designs. While providing much-needed housing, these developments were criticized for their monotony and lack of charm. However, these social housing programs were essential for providing better standards of living and tackling the social issue of poor housing in Weimar Germany.
The chapter also delves into Art Deco, a contrasting aesthetic trend characterized by glamour, excess, and a celebration of modernity. Art Deco designs featured sleek lines, geometric patterns, and luxurious materials like chrome, mirrors, and ivory. Unlike the Bauhaus's focus on functionality, Art Deco embraced ornamentation and aimed to create a sense of luxury and escapism in spaces like dance halls, cinemas, and department stores. The chapter touches upon buildings in Berlin, like the Renaissance Theater and the Káśdát department store, exemplifying the Art Deco style.
Finally, the chapter explores the political and ideological battles surrounding architectural styles during the Weimar Republic. The debate over flat versus pitched roofs became highly politicized, with conservatives associating flat roofs with foreign or "un-German" influences. Figures like Paul Schultze-Naumburg advocated for a return to traditional "Heimatschutzstil" (homeland protection style) architecture, emphasizing regional and national identity. This clash between modern and traditional styles reflected deeper anxieties about cultural identity and the rapid changes of the Weimar era.