If you’ve ever wondered what the history of modern design was, you’ve come to the right place. Modern design dates back to the 1800s. Modern design was a huge influence in art and architecture. Its influence can still be seen in some of the most notable artwork of the past few centuries, such as the Bauhaus and the Art Deco movements. However, not all modern designs are the same.
Art Deco
The modern design style of the 1920s and 1930s was known as Art Deco. It was a form of design that focused on simplicity and geometric shapes. Many of the objects in the style were inspired by other styles, including Cubism, Futurism, and Art nouveau. These styles were often a fusion of elements, so the final result was usually highly geometric and clean.
The style gained popularity in the United States and Europe. It was so popular that the word “Art Deco” became a part of the English language. The seventies, in particular, saw a pastiche of the Deco style in the form of catalogue jackets and graphics. It was also popular in Italy, where designers abandoned the amoeba-like shapes of the fifties in favor of clean lines.
During this time, many modern buildings were built in the Art Deco style. One of the most popular buildings was the Chrysler Building, which was completed in 1928. With its stainless steel spire and scalloped base, it has become one of the world’s most recognized landmarks. Several movie theaters and music halls were also built in this style. Luxury liners, like the Queen Mary, also incorporated Art Deco into their designs.
Art Nouveau
After being a popular design style for many years, Art Nouveau was considered outmoded and limited after the 1910 turn of the century. As such, it was generally abandoned as a distinct decorative style. However, its influence was significant in the evolution of the 20th century aesthetic characterized by unity of design.
The style’s roots can be traced to the Arts and Crafts movement of the nineteenth century, which was championed by English painter William Morris. Japonism, a popular style that swept through Europe in the 1880s, further influenced Art Nouveau. Other influential schools of art during the era included the Pont-Aven School of Art, which pioneered a form of design known as Synthetism.
Art Nouveau’s undulating, organic forms are one of its trademark characteristics. These lines are often in the shape of flowers, insect wings, or vine tendrils, and they have a whip-like force. In contrast to the complexity of earlier styles, Art Nouveau artists attempted to simplify and modernize the design process by using elements of nature. The result is a design style that is both organic and modern.
Bauhaus
The Bauhaus school, which was founded in 1919, was an important part of the modern design movement. Though it was a short-lived institution, its influence continues to inspire modern designers. Its founders were architects and designers who were highly innovative and sought to bridge the gap between art and industrialization.
After the defeat of Germany in World War I, the new regime opened up many opportunities for radical experimentation in the arts. Many Germans with left-wing views were influenced by the Russian Revolution and constructivism. However, Gropius didn’t share these opinions and claimed that Bauhaus was apolitical. The Bauhaus diaspora spread across Europe and the world.
The Bauhaus history is complex, filled with controversy, internal dissent, and occult happenings. It was also plagued with struggles to stay afloat financially. The school’s second director, Hannes Meyer, was a prominent Marxist who moved to the Soviet Union. The Bauhaus was largely abandoned after the war, but some alumni returned after the division of Germany.