A LOOK INTO THE PAST Bauhaus lamp, a 100-year-old lady with a modern look

The Bauhaus lamp, which has become a symbol of modern industrial design, embodies the basic principles of functionalism and represents one of the key moments in the history of 20th-century design. century.

Its design is based on the philosophy of the Bauhaus school, founded in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius, through which he promoted the synthesis of fine and applied arts, while the contemporary approach to design was based on simplicity and efficiency, which was clearly visible in this design.

Key principles of the Bauhaus school of design

The Bauhaus school was a revolution in the world of design, as it advocated the idea that the form of functional objects should be in harmony with their intended use. In this context, the Bauhaus lamp becomes a fundamental example of this philosophy. The geometric shapes of the lamp – the circular base, the cylindrical shaft and the spherical shade – enabled a design that was both aesthetically appealing and functional. This approach of maximum simplicity and economy, in terms of time and materials, was the result of the philosophy that the Bauhaus promoted through its educational programs.

Designers and lamp development

Wilhelm Wagenfeld

The Bauhaus lamp was designed in 1923 by designers Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Carl Jakob Jucker. Wagenfeld, known for his work within the Bauhaus school, was often responsible for designing objects that combined simplicity and functionality. In the process of designing the lamp, geometric shapes played a key role, which allowed for maximum economy in both production and use. It is important to note that all the working parts of the lamp, including the metal base and glass shade, were visible, which was a characteristic element of Bauhaus design.

Carl Jakob Jucker

Industrial production at Bauhaus

The lamp was created in the Bauhaus metal workshop, which was reorganized in 1923 under the leadership of the artist László Moholy-Nagy. Moholy-Nagy was a key figure who promoted the use of new materials and encouraged mass production. Instead of individual craftsmanship, work at the Bauhaus focused on a collaborative approach, where designers, engineers, and artists worked together to create objects that would be accessible to the general public.

However, initial attempts to market the lamp in 1924 were unsuccessful. The main reason for this was the manual production, which was too slow for commercial production. The lamp was more expensive than the market could bear, and at the same time, the market was not ready for such a form of modern design. However, its features and design did not go unnoticed, although it took more than two decades for the lamp to become a recognizable icon of industrial design.

Photo: Bauhaus lamp/encyclopedia.design

Commercial production and global recognition

Today, the Bauhaus lamp is manufactured by the German company Technolumen in Bremen, and the lamp has become a symbol of modern design. Although the first attempts at commercialization were unsuccessful, the lamp eventually found its place in the market thanks to industrial production, which allowed for lower prices. In addition, the global recognition of the Bauhaus lamp is strengthened by its status as one of the most important icons of modern industrial design.

Influence on 20th century design and today

The Bauhaus lamp is not just an object used in everyday life, but has become a symbol of a broader movement that shaped 20th-century industrial design and architecture. century. Its simplicity, functionality and aesthetic minimalism have influenced many designers and manufacturers . This design represents the perfect balance between beauty and utility, which has become the foundation of many later design trends.

Today, even though we live in an age of digital technologies and advanced manufacturing, the principle of “form follows function” still plays a key role in industrial design. The Bauhaus lamp is not only a design object, but also a symbol that continues to inspire many contemporary designers and architects.