Exploring De Stijl Movement in Architecture Sam, April 19, 2024April 26, 2024 The de stijl movement was formed in Holland during the 1920s. De stijl defined a type of visual expression designed to reveal the individuality found in art. Abstraction and simplification were valuable only as a means to the creation of a universal visual language.This concept was also pushed into architecture, creating the renowned “mondrian lines” and several de stijl buildings.Let us quickly dive into the history of de stijl movement before we get into it’s notable features and examples.Table of Contents ToggleHistory of De Stijl Movement De Stijl Architecture Characteristics De Stijl Architecture Examples 1. The Schroder House2. Park Pavilion3. Villa Allegonda4. Café De Unie5. Weissenhof Estate6. Café Aubette7. Van Doesburg House8. De Dageraad Housing Complex9. Rietveld Schroder PavilionKey Figures of De StijlThe Impact of De Stijl Movement on Modern Architecture Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on De Stijl Movement in ArchitectureWho Were De Stijl Movement’s Principal Artists? What Impact Did De Stijl Have on Design?What Are The Elements of De Stijl Architecture?What Makes De Stijl So Significant?What is De Stijl’s Motto?Recommended ArticlesConclusionHistory of De Stijl Movement The de stijl movement in art and architecture was founded in 1917 by two pioneers of abstract art, Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg. It was a reaction against the baroque and art nouveau that was prevalent in the early 20th century. The term “de stijl” is dutch for “the style.” This was the ultimate goal, which was to create a universal expression that could be understood by people of all ages and cultures.Everything would be reduced to its most essential form and provide a timeless quality. This movement had a profound influence on modern architecture and design. Built on the ideas put forward by Frank Lloyd Wright and the German Bauhaus, it was an idealistic attempt to create a new utopian social order. The idea of social reform was also characteristic of the political spectrum at the time; progress was in the air.The atrocities of World War I also had a great influence on the artists of the movement. The lost generation sought a new beginning and an escape from the old traditions, which they saw as a possible cause for the war. It was an era that was ripe for an intellectual revolution.The philosophy of the de stijl movement was a reaction against the emotionalism of The School of Amsterdam Impressionism. It was posited that there was a new visual language that could be used to create a universal expression that would change the way of human life and thought. This new clear and precise art would be more than a document of existing reality. It would create reality.The artists working in this new medium saw themselves as engineers of a brave new world and culture. This new plastic art would use the most fundamental elements: color and line, to create a new aesthetic that would go beyond the old traditional painting. These artists would call themselves “Neo-Plasticists”.Now let us look at the outstanding characteristics of de stijl architecture.De Stijl Architecture Characteristics Key features of de stijl architecture include:Geometric Abstraction: A spatial definition created mainly through the use of lines was a notion that was inherited by the modern movement from de stijl. The use of geometric abstraction was the main focus of the movement and was carried through in many of the major design movements resulting from it. The idea that all natural forms could be reduced to vertical and horizontal lines, using only the primary colors along with black and white, was a concept that would be expanded upon by modernist architects through the 1920s and 1930s. Although seemingly a limiting constraint, the exploration of the use of simple lines and primary colors brought about a wide variety of interesting spatial qualities in architecture.Modularity and Standardization: De stijl principles are perhaps best summarized by the work of Theo van Doesburg, the leading spokesman of de stijl in the years to follow. His Rhythm of a Russian Dance is essentially a combination of de stijl principles. It is two-dimensional and plane. It uses rectangular forms and only the primary colors. The forms are non-representational, they have no illusion to concrete objects. It is conveying movement through the use of rhythm, created by opposing directions of horizontal and vertical lines. This is important in discussing architecture, as it is an art that occupies both space and time. Movement and rhythm in an abstract form can be applied to architecture, it is a manipulation of the space and therefore an expression of space and time.Integration of Art and Architecture: Integration of art into the everyday environment was the kernel of de stijl architectural theory and practice, and was pursued with religious zeal in the face of crippling poverty and urban destruction caused by World War I. An important concept to arise from attempts to inter art and life was the de stijl notion of the ‘indoor environment’. Although de stijl architecture was largely small-scale residential or commercial design, it was through this interior architecture that integration was to take place. It was felt that maintaining time-honored distinctions between art and craft were impeding on the power of art to renew society, and that the best chance lay with a unity of painting, sculpture, and architecture.Spatial Continuity: Spatial continuity, or the absence of disruptive transitional elements between adjacent areas, was the third concept detailed by Geoffrey Broadbent in his cumulative formulation of the three-part morphology of the de stijl movement. It can be seen in many of the most famous paintings of the time and reached its most remarkable climax in the form of murals.Primary Colors: De stijl painters reduced their palette to black, white, and primary colors. It strove to give the impression that the image was behind a piece of frosted glass which, if one could somehow get rid of the obscuring paint, the image would be revealed in its pure form. This is done in various ways, such as by using only bordering lines between adjacent colors or adjacently colored shapes with a small space of a third color between them. Often there would be a border of white between the image and the edge of the canvas. This was not due to the artist feeling restricted by the frame, but to give the illusion that the image was extending past the limitation of the canvas. This was also accomplished by the use of diagonals. It was thought that these were the only lines that can express movement or direction and were the best way to create the illusion of depth.Universalism and Idealism: De stijl architecture aimed to transcend national and cultural boundaries, embracing universal principles of harmony and order. The movement’s emphasis on geometric abstraction and simplicity reflected an idealistic vision of a modern, utopian society characterized by unity and coherence.Asymmetry and Balance: De stijl artists and theorists sought to create an objective ‘plastic’ art founded in the immutable laws of harmony and rhythm in the same manner that contemporary science sought to establish a comprehensive understanding of reality. They were inspired by contemporary and ancient theories regarding the supposed geometric and arithmetic foundations of the cosmos and its manifestation as ‘beauty’ in simple mathematical ratios and ideal geometric form. This inspired a ‘Platonic’ or ‘Classical’ strain of de stijl art which incorporated idealized natural forms and the juxtaposition of pure geometric form as a metaphor for the forces of order and chaos.Now that we know the characteristics and origin of de stijl movement, let’s now discuss some notable buildings that exemplify de stijl architecture.De Stijl Architecture Examples Notable de stijl architecture buildings include:1. The Schroder HouseLocation: Utrecht, Netherlands.Designed By: Gerrit Rietveld.The Schroder House.Source: Wikipedia.The schroder house is one of the most notable buildings of de stijl architecture. Rietveld had Mrs. Schroder involved in creating the design, and as she did not agree with Rietveld’s idea of a house in the form of a perfect cube, they modified it into a more open plan design, taking the cube more as the concept of space ordering.The house’s location was a real test for Rietveld. It was on the edge of a new housing development consisting of conventional pitched roof houses. This was definitely not the sort of environment that one would expect a modern, flat-roof, cubic house to be built.2. Park PavilionLocation: Otterlo, Netherlands.Designed By: Theo van Doesburg in collaboration with Cornelis van Eesteren.Park Pavilion.Source: Archdaily.Park is a symmetrical pavilion designed and fabricated completely of wooden panels. The twisted form is derived from a curved surface formed by straight timber members, showcasing the dynamism of de stijl architecture. The shape is further manipulated to react to specific site conditions.3. Villa AllegondaLocation: Katwijk aan Zee, Netherlands.Designed By: J.J.P. Oud.Villa Allegonda.Source: Wikipedia.Villa Allegonda is a residential villa that exemplifies de stijl principles in its design. It features a white cubic form with horizontal and vertical bands of color, creating a striking visual composition that reflects the movement’s aesthetic ideals.4. Café De UnieLocation: Rotterdam, Netherlands.Designed By: J.J.P. Oud.Café De Unie.Source: Wikipedia.Café De Unie is a landmark of de stijl architecture. The original idea of the commissioner, the idea that the city of Rotterdam should have a building that was representative of the ‘De Stijl’ movement and a gathering place for artists, journalists, and traders, has been in reality only achieved in a very brief period in the short existence of the building compared to the almost hundred years it’s still standing.5. Weissenhof EstateLocation: Stuttgart, Germany.Designed By: Various architects including J.J.P. Oud and Gerrit Rietveld.Weissenhof Estate.Source: RIBApix.While not primarily de stijl, the architecture of the Weissenhof Estate has significantly influenced the development of modern architecture.The layout of estates was the work of the Belgian architect, Le Corbusier, who sought to provide an environment of light, air, and openness. He did away with the traditional crowding of buildings on the site and put up a selection of separate houses in a parkland setting.His use of flat roofs, roof terraces, and the flat topography of the site allowed him to experiment with and develop his ideas on the use of the roof as a place for healthy open-air living and the use of pilotes (supports) to lift the building off the ground, therefore freeing up more space around the building which he termed as the “garden city developed to date”.6. Café AubetteLocation: Strasbourg, France.Designed By: Theo van Doesburg, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and Jean Arp.Café Aubette.Source: Archdaily.Café Aubette in the center of Strasbourg was transformed extensively in 1926 when Jean Arp, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and de stijl founder Theo van Doesburg were commissioned to redecorate the interior. The result is a masterpiece of purely abstract art and design, which typified the movement and still provoke wonder today.7. Van Doesburg HouseLocation: Meudon, FranceDesigned By: Theo van Doesburg in collaboration with Cornelis van Eesteren.Van Doesburg House.Source: vandoesburghuis.com.The Van Doesburg house is a striking example of de stijl architecture. Van Doesburg’s building marked the beginning of concrete art. It is typical of an architectural work far from the realm of development in the field of fine arts of his time, consisting of paintings and sculptures. The artwork is a product of language, which expresses the concept rather than the result of imagination and calculations.The significance of the Van Doesburg House Is paramount in recognising the changes in ideology, design and building processes that have collectively shaped what has been one of the most influential movements in the modern world.8. De Dageraad Housing ComplexLocation: Amsterdam, Netherlands.Designed By: Michel de Klerk and Piet Kramer.De Dageraad Housing Complex.Source: Wikipedia.De Dageraad is one of the most cherished examples of de stijl movement in architecture.After the turn of the century, a new movement towards functionalism emerged in European architecture, but the Amsterdam School was determined to hold on to the expressive and decorative style which had originated in the Netherlands. The movement did away with historical reference and embraced construction in both form and material.9. Rietveld Schroder PavilionLocation: Utrecht, Netherlands.Designed By: Gerrit Rietveld.Rietveld Schroder Pavilion.Source: Archdaily.Rietveld Schroder House is a perfect example of the principles of the de stijl art movement. Designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1924, the house has a simple square plan with a flat roof. The elevation is a rectangular plane. The house is a three-dimensional realization of a de stijl painting. It uses only black, white, and primary colours. The horizontals and verticals are accented, and there are diagonal elements. Because Rietveld was not allowed to build the house using the more conventional brick and concrete, the entire house was constructed using prefabricated wooden panels.Key Figures of De StijlDe stijl had a great impact on design and aesthetics. Using the basic elements of design such as line and color, we are able to produce more contemporary designs to this day.Piet Mondrian’s use of black grid lines and primary colors to represent positive and negative space left a greater understanding of shape and proportion. Although his persuasion to have all artists follow his example failed, Mondrian still remains an individual whose dedication for change remains a credit to artists today.Mondrian, with the help of Theo van Doesburg, created a set of guiding principles on how to represent the world. In his essay “Neo-Plasticism in Pictorial Art” (1920), he states these rules:To express the dynamic equilibrium of the universe.To represent the universe as a complete harmony.Piet Mondrian was an original member of the de stijl movement as he was seeking change in the aesthetic of society. He was one of the most influential contributors to modern abstract art. He had the courage to always follow his strong beliefs and would often stay away from painting natural landscapes and objects. He would often get into disputes with others about his opinions.The Impact of De Stijl Movement on Modern Architecture A fundamental element of de stijl art and theory, ‘the new plasticism’, was seen by de stijl artists as a universal style that could be applied to all forms of plastic creation; whether they be paintings, interior design, sculpture, city planning, or architecture.This meant that in the formation of de stijl architecture, de stijl artists would simultaneously experiment with the creation of stijl environments through interior design and architecture while working on canvas. The blurring of distinction between art and architecture, intended by the unification of all these arts under the style of plasticism, meant that both would influence and feed off each other.The architects Van Eesteren and Oud in implementing certain de stijl theories in the housing and town planning that they were involved with would have an effect upon the de stijl artists and vice versa. This approach taken by de stijl artists can be seen as a significant contribution to the architecture of the time, rather than an attempt to create architectural design in isolation from other architectural activity in this period.De stijl’s influence in the field of architecture, although never as great as in the fields of art and design, was still significant. De stijl did propose an entirely new form of architecture using the same language of the art form, as well as correlating with the ideas of urban and social transformation. The actual realization of de stijl theories in the form of architecture was limited and short-lived, as few ‘true’ de stijl buildings were never built. This lack of exposure in terms of physical buildings meant that the architectural ideas of de stijl were transmitted to a great extent through the medium of theory.The dissemination of de stijl architectural theory had a lasting effect upon the nature of modern architectural design. During the early decades of the movement (1917-1931), the dissemination of architectural ideas came predominantly through the medium of writing.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on De Stijl Movement in ArchitectureWho Were De Stijl Movement’s Principal Artists? The most well-known and significant painters from the De Stijl movement are Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg. Rietveld, too, although he was known more as an architect and product designer.What Impact Did De Stijl Have on Design? The painters of the De Stijl movement emphasized a minimalist style with simple, solid colors, and clear lines.What Are The Elements of De Stijl Architecture? De Stijl movement consists of red, yellow, blue, black, and white colors as well as vertical and horizontal lines.What Makes De Stijl So Significant? Modern architecture and design, as well as abstract art were greatly influenced by De Stijl.What is De Stijl’s Motto? Van Doesburg came up with the motto “The object of nature is man, the object of man is style” because they thought that style might develop forces of sufficient strength to enable it to influence all culture. Recommended ArticlesExploring Geometry in Architecture.The Marriage of Form and Function in Architecture.Overview of Avant-Garde Architecture.Brutalist Architecture: A Guide to Raw Aesthetics.ConclusionDe stijl movement in architecture aimed to create a universal visual language based on principles of simplicity, harmony and clarity with an emphasis on abstraction and the rejection of ornamentation.Total0Shares Share 0 Tweet 0 Pin it 0 Share 0 Articles
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