Exploring the Pedagogy of the Bauhaus: A Typical Lesson

The Bauhaus School, founded by Walter Gropius in 1919 in Weimar, Germany, revolutionised the teaching of art, architecture, and design. Its unique curriculum and pedagogy blended theoretical knowledge with practical training, focusing on unity across all arts and crafts. Here’s an overview of a typical lesson at the Bauhaus.

Foundational Course

The “Vorkurs,” or preliminary course, was at the core of the Bauhaus curriculum. This was a compulsory six-month programme where students would learn the fundamentals of design theory and principles without specialising in any specific discipline (Droste, 2006). A typical lesson in the Vorkurs would be taught by masters like Josef Albers or Johannes Itten, who would guide students to investigate materials, colour theory, and forms. This could include various exercises, such as paper folding to explore three-dimensionality or studies in contrast and harmony using colour wheels.

Practical Workshop

After completing the Vorkurs, students would choose a specific workshop, like metalworking, carpentry, pottery, typography, weaving, or mural painting. Each workshop was supervised by two masters: a craftsman and an artist. For instance, in a weaving class taught by Gunta Stölzl, students might start their day examining different threads and materials, understanding their properties and potential applications. They then practise various weaving techniques, producing textile designs (Rössig, 2019).

Theoretical Instruction

Alongside the practical workshops, students attended lessons in subjects like architecture, art history, and materials science to ensure they had a sound theoretical basis for their design work. For example, in an architecture class led by Walter Gropius or later Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, students might analyse building plans, study the principles of modernist architecture, or explore ideas related to form and function.

Interdisciplinary Projects

The Bauhaus also emphasised collaboration and interdisciplinary work. Students from different workshops worked together on larger projects, such as designing and building a house prototype (Gropius, 2019). These group projects gave students hands-on experience translating design concepts into practical applications.

Thus, a typical lesson at the Bauhaus was an innovative blend of theoretical and practical learning, encouraging students to understand and unite art, craftsmanship, and technology.

Sources

Droste, M. (2006). Bauhaus, 1919–1933. Taschen.

Gropius, W. (2019). The New Architecture and The Bauhaus. MIT Press.

Rössig, P. (2019). Weaving at the Bauhaus. Laurence King Publishing.

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