LT week 8 – Graphic Design History

Question 1

Practical assignment (observation and analysis) 1 day
1.1. Define, in your own words, the Bauhaus, De Stijl and Swiss Movements.
1.2. For each of these movements: find examples from their eras, as well as current designs that are influenced by these styles.
Explain in your own words how these designs were inspired by the movements.

De Stijl – 1917-1931

Originating from the Netherlands De Stijl (“the Style”) was a design style ment to have no personal or national identity, but rather speak to everyone. The ideal was to rebuild the world. It was a utopian philosophy that stretched over many forms of design, such as graphic design, architecture, product design and fine arts. The ide was that we should be able to live together in a peaceful and harmonious society.

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Bauhaus – 1919-1933

Bauhaus was a design school founded in 1919 in Dessau, Germany. It is known as the most important influence on contemporary design. In design terms, this is where the old world ended and the new world startet. Still building on the idea that design can make the world a better place, it included many building principles from earlier design movements. Always strive for the best quality, less i more, stay true to the materials, form follows function and the fact that mass production could ensure equality and harmony in good design.

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Swiss – 1955-1975

Also known as the international style, the swiss movement in design represents order, a rigid grid structure and mathematical proportions, in the persuit of clarity and structure. Typography should be functional and dynamic. To this day we use these elements daily in design: the Golden Section for proportion, sans serif typography, grids for layout and font sizes to secure mathematical consistency.

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Question 2 

2.1. Research, written & practical assignment (problem solving) 1,5 days
Look at the history timeline at the beginning of this lesson. Gather information from 1900 – 2000, and design your own timeline using the Swiss Design Style as your theme. Each movement should be described in a creative way.