Bauhaus Building, Dessau: First Floor Plan - Walter Gropius

An original architectural floor plan for the Bauhaus building in Dessau, drafted by Walter Gropius in 1925.

This architectural drawing represents the first floor plan of the Bauhaus building in Dessau, designed by Walter Gropius. Completed between 1925 and 1926, the structure remains a primary example of modernist architecture. The plan demonstrates the functionalist approach adopted by Gropius, where the layout of the space dictates the form of the building. The drawing displays the precise, geometric organisation of the various departments, including workshops, administrative offices, and circulation paths.

The visual composition is stark and utilitarian. Gropius utilised clean lines to define the spatial relationships between the different wings of the school. The plan reveals the asymmetrical arrangement that allowed for optimal light and ventilation, which were core concerns for the Bauhaus collective. By separating the functions into distinct blocks connected by bridges, Gropius created a flow that mirrored the industrial processes taught within the school. The technical nature of the document provides a clear view into the planning phase of a project that redefined twentieth-century design education.

As a historical document, this print captures the rigour of the Bauhaus method. The annotations and structural markers indicate the intended use of each room, reflecting the school's focus on the integration of art, craft, and technology. The drawing is devoid of unnecessary ornamentation, adhering to the principle that form follows function. For those interested in the history of architecture or the development of modern design, this plan offers a direct connection to the conceptual origins of the Dessau site. It is a record of the systematic thinking that Gropius applied to his architectural practice, ensuring that every square metre served a specific purpose in the daily operation of the institution.