Bauhaus Building, Dessau, 1925-1926: View from southwest after 1926

Curator: This black and white photograph by Klaus Hertig captures the Bauhaus Building in Dessau, likely taken shortly after its completion in 1926. Editor: It strikes me as rather austere, almost like a fortress. The geometric forms certainly project an image of order. Curator: The building itself was conceived as a total work of art, integrating different workshops under one roof. This photograph allows us to consider the industrial methods of production. Editor: The strong vertical lettering of "Bauhaus" evokes a sense of institutional power and purpose. It suggests a desire for permanence and a specific cultural identity. Curator: Indeed, the building's design reflects a rejection of ornamentation in favor of functional, mass-producible forms. The materials themselves—steel, glass, and concrete—speak to a new era of industrial possibility and social reform. Editor: The repetition of windows, those stark rectangles, create a visual rhythm. It’s almost hypnotic, suggesting the mechanization of modern life. Curator: Understanding the building as a physical manifestation of the Bauhaus ideals is key. This image helps us connect those principles to broader social and economic transformations. Editor: It is a powerful visual testament to the Bauhaus legacy. I see a lot more than just a building.