Bauhaus Zwanzig - 21: Ideen für ein neues Jahrhundert

by Gordon Watkinson, Falk Jaeger (Contributor), Peter Cachola Schmal (Contributor)

Das Bauhaus gilt vielen als Synonym für klassische Moderne, und tatsächlich war kaum eine andere Bewegung in Architektur und Design so stilprägend und einflussreich. Aus Anlass des 90. Gründungsgeburtstags spürt diese Publikation den Themen und der Ästhetik des Bauhauses in der Gegenwart nach. Sie zeigt zwölf der wichtigsten Bauhaus-Gebäude aus der Zeit 1923-1930 und setzt sie in Beziehung zu zeitgenössischen internationalen Arbeiten. Die sensiblen und aufmerksamen Fotografien von Gordon Watkinson stellen formale und inhaltliche Bezüge zwischen den Bauten her und machen so den großen Einfluss deutlich, den das Bauhaus auch heute noch für Gestalter hat. So steht das „Haus am Horn" von Georg Muche und Adolf Meyer, entstanden 1923 in Weimar, neben dem „Haus für die Gegenwart" in München von Allmann Sattler Wappner (2005). Und der Deutsche Pavillon von Mies van der Rohe in Barcelona von 1929 erweist sich gute siebzig Jahre später als Inspiration für das Skywood House in Denham, von Graham Phillips.

231 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Brief Description

Photographer, director and author, passionate about urbanism, architecture and design, with a particular focus on modernism. Exploring the power of design as a life changing tool.

Artist Statement

I have a deep fascination for design in all its forms, and how the best of these can change our lives. I am especially interested in the impact of new technologies on old ways of thinking.
My work tends to have its basis in form, allowing me to examine the convergence of ideas, elements, materials, and space that makes each design individual, while exploring the contrasts contained in three-dimensional construction: mass and void; vastness and intimacy; not to mention form and function.

Biography

Gordon Watkinson borrowed a camera for a photography class he took at the age of 24 while attending Virginia Commonwealth University. Although he had never previously thought of photography in a serious way, after completing the course his professor saw enough in his work that he encouraged Watkinson to reconsider his career choice and arranged for him to begin working as a photographic assistant.
Watkinson has spent the past 18 years working as a commercial photographer for a broad range of clients from the fields of advertising, architecture, design, and fashion. In conjunction with his photographic work he has directed commercials, made industrial videos, and worked directly with major corporations as well as specialized brands, helping them to develop visual strategies for targeted markets.
Over the years he developed a strong sensitivity for both forms and materials, which has shaped his visual approach and strengthened his fascination for timeless and minimalist design.