The "New Dwelling" and the Domestic Reform in Modern Architecture  

The mass destruction following World War I and the meaningless loss of lives, encouraged artists and architects to develop a vision of a new world, a better place, spiritually, politically, socially and visually. The Modernists, as called, aspired to create a utopic world. They wished to reinvent the world and had an almost messiac belief in the power of the machine and in the potential of industrial technology. Replacing bourgeois concepts, such as comfort, arose concepts that widened the ideas of dwellings and expressed a more dynamic life, devoted to outdoor activities, the healthy body and intellectual endeavors. Modernism in architecture has vast theoretical and visual aspects. In the course we shall focus on the implementation of ideas – technological, social, cultural and of health and wellbeing – in the design  and representation of the 'New Dwelling' (neue Wohnung) and the reform in the domestic sphere and its design. We will focus on Germany, due to its central role in the development of the theory and practice of Modernism, and being the source to which this new culture was disseminated throughout Europe and other parts of the world which were influenced by the west.   

The Bauhaus, design and architecture school, was active in Germany from 1919 until 1933. The Bauhaus had a deep influence on the developments in architecture and architectural education, as well as in arts, graphical design, internal design, industrial design and typography. Marking the Bauhaus' Centennial, we shall emphasize its innovative approach and unique contribution to the development of modern housing.

Students participants shall join a study trip in Berlin, Weimar and Dessau, and will visit public housing  projects discussed throughout the course. Additional information shall be provided to registered students.