I found this a very insightful and interesting read that has broadened my understanding of the history of the Avent- Guardes in Russia and in Holland. I found that despite their history being similar, they were visually conflicting.
De stijl was a movement that stretched across lots of creative industries and had the universal goal to unite them in an attempt to create architecture that was also art. At the time it was the main influence in new architecture in Holland as well as inspirations taken from cubism and anti-naturalism.
The design is a true depiction of the De Stijl movement, especially the bold primary colours and clean cut edges. Although they were seen as futuristic many were never built, as they were considered too conceptual.
In my own work I am to create a space that accommodates its function while expressing controlled creativity. De Stijl is an example of this, which is why I admire the movement so much and believe I can learn a lot from it. However, the concept of controlled creativity does not always seem to produce the most comfortable living space. Tight cubes and bold colours create interesting and stimulating architectural spaces but in relation to a home, would not provide the atmosphere desired.
In comparison we can look at the Russian Avant-Gaurde, which also had the aspiration to combine architecture and art. It was influenced by the Russian Revolution and practiced a divide between rationalism and constructivism. Due to these, the architecture seems to follow design over function.
Colquhoun, Alan. Modern Architecture (Oxford History of Art). Oxford. 2002. [electronic resource] Chapter 6: The Avant-gardes in Holland and Russia (pp.109-135)
De stijl was a movement that stretched across lots of creative industries and had the universal goal to unite them in an attempt to create architecture that was also art. At the time it was the main influence in new architecture in Holland as well as inspirations taken from cubism and anti-naturalism.
The design is a true depiction of the De Stijl movement, especially the bold primary colours and clean cut edges. Although they were seen as futuristic many were never built, as they were considered too conceptual.
In my own work I am to create a space that accommodates its function while expressing controlled creativity. De Stijl is an example of this, which is why I admire the movement so much and believe I can learn a lot from it. However, the concept of controlled creativity does not always seem to produce the most comfortable living space. Tight cubes and bold colours create interesting and stimulating architectural spaces but in relation to a home, would not provide the atmosphere desired.
In comparison we can look at the Russian Avant-Gaurde, which also had the aspiration to combine architecture and art. It was influenced by the Russian Revolution and practiced a divide between rationalism and constructivism. Due to these, the architecture seems to follow design over function.
Colquhoun, Alan. Modern Architecture (Oxford History of Art). Oxford. 2002. [electronic resource] Chapter 6: The Avant-gardes in Holland and Russia (pp.109-135)