Deutscher Werkbund

The Deutscher Werkbund movement originated in Germany. In German, it means German workshop. Founded in Munich, Germany. it was set in place to advance the quality of industrial design. The purpose twas to raise the standards of design in Germany's mass produced products and be more even with the British and United States of America. It was founded as a German government organization that was to bring designer and manufacturer together.

The glass pavilion was designed by Bruno Taut as the Werkbund exhibition.

The Deutscher Werkbund movement produced several different styles of chairs. Perhaps my favorite chair of the movement was the Kubus chair. It was square and angular and a fully upholstered lounge chair repeating the cube shape. Joseph Hoffman is the designer. It is pictured below. 

Below are some current applications of the movement. You can see the use of metal, organic art, natural materials, and curved furniture with geometric design. The colors are white and clean as well. 

Art Nouveau Reviews

I was able to look at Rachael's Blog for the Art Nouveau period. She talked a lot about the iron work and was able to show that in modern design as well. The iron work itself and the curves in it are perfect examples of the Art Nouveau movement. Additionally. she chose to talk about Victor Horta who's designs I really enjoyed too.
I also was able to look at Natalie's blog. She pointed out Henry Van de Velde as a designer and how he designed his own house complete with furniture, table silver, and kitchen cookware. She also showed pictures of the many chairs that he designed too. I really enjoyed looking at her modern applications as well.

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau means New Art. The Art Nouveau period was during a time of the turning of the century. Belgium and France were the leaders of the movement. It is said that the movement was the first style to stop looking at the past for inspiration. Stemming as a rejection of Victorian styles, modern materials, techniques and even electrical lighting were introduced. To me, this is what makes this movement one of the most interesting. New ideas were being brought forth as economic growth in the world was making it possible for new experimentation in design. Art Nouveau took inspiration from nature and what designers experienced in their surroundings. These natural elements were reflected in fabrics and wallpapers. There was also a lot of influence on Japanese Art.   In terms of color, soft, muted colors were used often. Curvilinear forms were dominant .

One of my favorite designers of this period was Hector Guimard who was the most significant figure in Paris. His work reminds me of Sleepy Hollows. The way his style is so organic and almost has an eerie feeling, He is most famous for his work with the Paris Metro Subway Station on the entrance kiosks and detail elements. He was great with use of organic forms and incorporated this in to architecture, furniture, and other design products. I love his style, how it is so different than most other designs. I love the curves and unique decorative elements he uses. His work is truly the defintiton on Art Nouveau.

Above are some pictures of his work and the bottom is Hector Guimard himself working among some of his pieces.

Above are some modern takes on the art nouveau movement. You can see the Japanese inspiration as well as the curvlinear forms.

The Arts & Crafts Period

The arts and crafts period stemmed from the vision of workers to be proud of their arts and craftsmanship. It wanted to steer away from the reality of daily factory workers. Mass production was becoming all too common and the idea of individual craftsmanship became the new interest. Beautiful products were made for the common folk and jobs that became available for the craftsman were much better than factory conditions at the time.

In terms of aesthetics, Medieval guilds, Islamic sources, and Japanese influence all were brought in to the arts and crafts period. The forms of the arts and crafts style were rectilinear and angular with stylized, decorative motifs.

Below are some modern day arts and crafts interiors.

The Americas Peer Review

I had the chance to see Dana's blog on the Americas. She mentioned that she liked the style of houses alot and showcased the Gonzales-Alvarez house as well as a Luoisiana plantation house. Both are very different, but from the same period in time. She also talks about how many different styles were introduced in this time, as she describes them; " The Early American/ Colional Period, Georgian Period, Post Colonial or Federal Period, Greek Revival Period, and Victorian Period." 

I also looked at Lindsey's post for this section. She chose to talk about the Dutch style home, with it's steep roofs, and doors with top and bottoms. They can be found in the Hudson River Valley. She also talked about the French style homes which were one of my favorite designs of the chapter. They were raised to avoid flooding. She goes on to mention the Spanich style and German and Swedish style. I liked how she was able to mention a lot of styles, being able to compare one to another. 

Victorian Etiquette

I like this take on looking at Victorian etiquette. Much different than today.

The Americas

I chose to write this blog on the Victorian period. Ever since I was young, it has always been one of my favorite times in history. Growing up around here, I can say I have probably been to the local David Davis mansion of at least a total of 7 times. The house I grew up in in my hometown, was a old Victorian style home. It all intrigues me so much. I also chose to do the day in the life presentation on this as well.  The Victorian time was named after Britain's Queen Victoria. Americans replicated the ways of their mother country, in the way the decorated their houses, the way they acted, and even dressed.

To start off, the typical Victorian house included a front of the house and back of the house. The back was more for the maids, where their rooms were and the kitchen where they worked. The front of the house was for the family for private living as well as entertaining. The men had a room where they would entertain in and smoke cigars while there was a more feminine room for the women to hang out in.

Some of the characteristics of a Victorian home are decorated roof lines and slates, bay and sash windows, patterned brick, porches, and terraces. There were also no garages because at the time there were no cars. I love all the characteristics that are put in to the home. Today most homes are not built like this, they are much more simple. Another feature of the Victorian home would be barge boards. These were decorative wooden panels on the gable ends of homes or the triangular end section on a pitched roof.

Current Day Applications