The Philosophy – From Function to Feeling
The Bauhaus movement revolutionized design with its „form follows function“ mantra, prioritizing simplicity, mass production, and utility. However, as discussed in the podcast, this stripped objects of their emotional resonance and human touch.
The Anti-Bauhaus philosophy, on the other hand, emphasizes „form follows feeling.“ It celebrates imperfection, ornamentation, and complexity. Designers inspired by this counterreaction argue that beauty and human connection should not be sacrificed for efficiency. The podcast discusses examples from architecture, art, and industrial design to illustrate how these two philosophies shape creative spaces and everyday objects.
Tensions in Design
Can excessive decoration make design more meaningful? How does functionality without emotion alienate people?
Today, the principles of Anti-Bauhaus manifest in fields like postmodern art, experimental fashion, and playful industrial design. Brands like Alessi challenge Bauhaus norms with their emotionally resonant, quirky objects, proving that function and ornamentation can coexist.
Anti-Bauhaus movement is essential for broadening the spectrum of design. While Bauhaus celebrates simplicity, Anti-Bauhaus reconnects design with humanity. Both approaches hold their own value, but together they remind us that design is not just about form or function—it’s about the story, the emotion, and the experience.
The Podcast
The script revolves around questioning and redefining modern design values by examining Bauhaus and its criticisms. Key discussion points include:
How Bauhaus revolutionized design by focusing on function and simplicity.
The backlash against Bauhaus – Is minimalism restricting creativity?
Can emotion, ornamentation, and cultural storytelling reclaim their space in modern design?
How contemporary designers are merging Bauhaus principles with artistic rebellion.
The question remains: Will you choose function, feeling, or both?
