Plan and Elevation of a House 

Josef Hoffmann made this plan and elevation of a house in pen and ink on paper. Its emphasis on clean lines and geometric forms makes it a classic example of the modernist style, but it also carries a heavy social weight. Hoffmann was an influential figure in the Austrian Secession movement. It was a group of artists and architects who broke away from the mainstream art establishment to create their own exhibitions and promote new styles. Looking at this work, one can see the Secession's aim to integrate art with everyday life through design. This was partly a critique of the traditional art institutions which they believed were out of touch with modern society. The plan shows a radical rethinking of domestic space. The floor plan integrates both living and gallery spaces. The design suggests a desire to break down social barriers and promote a more open, fluid way of life. To truly understand this design, we can consult archives of the Secession movement and publications on the social history of modernism. By examining the context in which it was created, we can better appreciate the ways in which art reflects and shapes society.