The Bauhaus movement, founded in Germany in 1919 by Walter Gropius, transformed graphic design and art education by emphasizing functionality and simplicity. It brought together art, architecture, and design under one philosophy that continues to influence modern design principles.
The Bauhaus School promoted an interdisciplinary approach that encouraged artists and designers to work with new materials and forms. This led to the use of geometric shapes, bold colors, and clear typefaces. Students were taught to focus on the essentials, stripping away decorative elements to produce clean, functional designs.
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Many elements of modern graphic design can be traced back to Bauhaus principles, including the use of grids, sans-serif typography, and a minimalist aesthetic. Bauhaus laid the groundwork for the functionalist and modernist design movements, emphasizing that design should serve society and be accessible to all.
Its impact on typography, composition, and layout still resonates in today’s digital and print design.
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