The Bauhaus was distinguished
neither by function nor by use but rather by symbolism. Whether square,
triangle, or circle; whether Wilhelm Wagenfeld's lamp, Oskar Schlemmer's
'Kopf' (head), or white cubes with flat roofs: the Bauhaus created
iconic visual symbols and a style that is neither functional nor social
but visually striking.


Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus,
from the outset sought to develop the school into a brand - and he
succeeded. More than eight decades after its forced closure, the Bauhaus
is more present than ever before in consumerism, politics, and culture
alike. It has become a participative brand that escapes centralised
control entirely. It has been, and continues to be, forged collectively
by countless designers, manufacturers, and consumers. Yet its founders'
initial pledge for functionality and social commitment remains
unfulfilled.


In this book, Philipp Oswalt, former director of
Foundation Bauhaus Dessau, explores the development of the Bauhaus brand
and its use around the world, illustrated with some 950 images that
highlight the vast range of Bauhaus appearances from a century.