Modernist Gems: Bauhaus in Rotterdam

The Bauhaus principles, emphasizing simplicity and functionality, remain visible in contemporary art, architecture, and design. Driven by the dream of a new world, the Bauhaus aimed to make art and design accessible to everyone. This vision found fertile ground in the Netherlands, influencing architecture and building design, including in Rotterdam.

In 1919, architect Walter Gropius founded the groundbreaking academy in Weimar, Germany, aimed at architects, artists, and industrial designers. In a time when art and design were only available to a privileged few, the Bauhaus sought to make beauty and functionality accessible to all. This ideal, alongside the academy’s innovative approach to design, had a global impact. In the Netherlands, the influence of the Bauhaus was particularly evident in architecture, industrial design, and education, leading to a renewal of building practices.

In Rotterdam, the connection to the Bauhaus is strongly tied to city architect J.J.P. Oud. His social housing projects in Spangen, the Kiefhoek, and the Witte Dorp drew the attention of German architects. A pivotal lecture by Oud in 1923 marked the beginning of a fruitful exchange between the Bauhaus school and Rotterdam. This exchange contributed to the rise of the Dutch architectural movement known as ‘Nieuwe Bouwen’ (New Building), a modernist approach inspired by Bauhaus ideals. Nieuwe Bouwen championed functional and aesthetically responsible architecture, shaping Rotterdam’s distinctive cityscape.

The influence of the Bauhaus and Nieuwe Bouwen is strikingly evident in Rotterdam, particularly in the iconic Van Nelle Factory. Designed by Leendert van der Vlugt of the Brinkman & Van der Vlugt architectural firm, this masterpiece of modern architecture embodies Bauhaus principles of simplicity, functionality, and transparency. Built in the 1920s, the factory is celebrated for its innovative use of steel, glass, and concrete, making it one of the most significant examples of modern industrial architecture. Another notable example is Huis Sonneveld, also designed by Leendert van der Vlugt. This residential building perfectly illustrates Nieuwe Bouwen principles, combining functionality with aesthetics in a design characterized by clean lines and open, light-filled spaces. Together with Oud’s social housing projects, these structures highlight Rotterdam as a city where the Bauhaus legacy continues to shape its architectural identity.