In line with the project that first-year students in Graphic Design and Interior Design will be developing this year, the History department has launched a preliminary initiative. This year’s challenge, inspired by the primary colors and basic shapes of the Bauhaus school, aims to carry out an artistic intervention in public spaces—integrating political messages such as solidarity with Palestine.
For this reason, in the subject History and Theory of Art, Architecture and Design, taught in the first year of both degrees, we have explored the development, characteristics, and influence of the Bauhaus school through a class project. This served as the first core topic of the academic year and proved to be the perfect introduction to frame the upcoming practical challenge. Using the jigsaw teaching method, students were tasked with creating a timeline of Bauhaus history that synthesized key facts, featured images of its main figures, and included visual examples of its most iconic workshop products—visually reflecting the so-called “Bauhaus style” through color, shape, and typography.
To implement this method, the project began with a general theoretical presentation by the teacher, including a concise history of Bauhaus supported by images. Students were then organized into groups of five, and each member received a text focusing on a specific phase of Bauhaus history. They were expected to read and analyze the text by the following day. The next step involved forming expert groups made up of students who had read the same text. Their task was to reach a consensus and ensure full comprehension of the content so that in the fourth step, each student could effectively teach their section to their original group.
Finally, after a deep dive into the content, students returned to their original groups and worked over two sessions to create a timeline, presenting rich, accurate information. They concluded the project with a group presentation of their work to the entire class.
In this way, before beginning a more hands-on and creative challenge, the students examined the historically significant Bauhaus school from an academic perspective. As we know, undertaking critical reflection in advance is essential for bringing depth and integrity to their practical work—and of course, to fuel their creative abilities. Oh, and one more note: the “Bauhaus style” defined by basic colors and shapes wasn’t a constant throughout the school’s existence. It was, in fact, a trend developed between 1922 and 1927, just over a third of the school’s lifespan—but one that left a lasting international impact and remains embedded in our collective imagination.