Putting in Work. Deutscher Werkbund.

Deutscher Werkbund was the German Association of Craftsmen formed in 1907. The Werkbund emerged after architect Joseph Maria Olbrich left Vienna and moved to Darmstadt, Germany, after Ernest Louis invited him to start up an artists' group.

The Werkbund Ways

Known as the largest and most influential design reform organization in Europe, the Werkbund consisted of a number of architects, artists, and business owners. The Werkbund wanted innovation in the domestic environment, and hoped to unite deep German values within forces of industrialization.

Quality was very important and honest materials and great workmanship was expected. Sachlichkeit was the functional new approach to design. Uncluttered, unornamented, and functional designs were the new thing. Women played a prominent role in teaching other women and shop girls about the new reform. Women felt the need to modernize their taste within this machine age.

Werkbund Exhibition

The first exhibition was held at Rheinpark, Cologne in 1914. It opened May 15th and was scheduled to last until October, however was shut down early due to World War I outbreaks. One of the most popular items in the exhibit was the Glass Pavilion by Bruno Taut. It was a prismatic concrete dome with colorful inlaid glass that acted as mirrors. It is Taut's best known work of architecture. 

Bauhaus

Another contribution from Werkbund was Bauhaus. An art school for crafts and fine arts, operated from 1919 to 1933. Bauhaus became known for architecture, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, and 

typography. Bauhaus had sites in Weimar and Dessau. 

Modern Application