From 1919 to 1933, Germany gave to the world the Bauhaus
school of architecture. Founded by Walter Gropius, the name
Bauhaus comes from the German words for -to build- and
-house-.
Very basic in its meaning, the Bauhaus architecture is just
that. Basic shapes, geometric designs and little frill and
fancy. Though its founder was an architect, for the first
several years, the Staatliches Bauhaus School in Germany
refined the crafts and fine arts but did not actually
include an architecture department.
The Bauhaus architectural style became the basis for
current Modernist architecture. These structures are
primarily simple in form and without ornamentation.
The forms were simple and functional with the idea of mass
production with some artistic spirit thrown in. When
Bauhaus Architecture was at its peak, an entire group of
architects turned away from their fancy, over designed
structures and into a more standard, basic way of design.
Understandably, Bauhaus Architecture is most commonly found
in Germany, but its influences reached the United States
and even Tel Aviv in the time following its demise in
Germany due exile.
In fact the UN because of its abundance of Bauhaus now
lists Tel Aviv as a world heritage site. In the late 1930s
the Bauhaus Architecture was brought to the U.S. Namely
Chicago, Illinois, where the New Bauhaus School was
founded.
As the basics for our modern day minimalist style, Bauhaus
architecture is still being practiced today. In fact, at
the Florida State University, the Master Craftsman Program
is utilizing the Bauhaus theory and practices.