Expressionism - architectural style definition

Expressionism is an architectural style characterised by unusual, asymmetrical forms, contrasting colours and materials and strong emotional tensions. Expressionism is a marked departure from traditional architectural forms and focuses more on the expression of emotions and moods than on the rational design of buildings.

Expressionism began in Germany in the 1920s and quickly spread throughout the world. However, its origins can be traced back to the 1820s, when architects began to move away from traditional architectural forms and sought new ways to express their creativity. As a result, Expressionism became one of the most important architectural styles in Europe and North America in the 1920s and 1930s.

Expressionism is characterised by unusual, asymmetrical forms that are designed to express the emotions and moods of the designers. Expressionist buildings are often highly expressive and unconventional, and their forms are often extremely curved or bent in unexpected ways. Expressionism is also characterised by contrasting colours and materials that are used to emphasise the unusual forms of buildings.

Expressionism is an architectural style that developed mainly between 1910 and 1930, and was part of a wider artistic movement known as Expressionism, which expressed emotion and feeling through non-standard forms and expressive details.

Characteristics

Architectural expressionism focused on expressing emotion and tension through dynamic form, unusual proportions, geometric shapes and expressive details.

Combinations of different materials such as brick, concrete, steel and glass were often used to create striking compositions.

Expressionist buildings often had sharp, pointed shapes, complex lines and dynamic silhouettes.

Organic motifs were often used, as well as influences taken from nature, such as waves, arches and shark's teeth.

Precursors

One of the early precursors of architectural expressionism was Peter Behrens, a German architect and designer whose work influenced the development of modernism.

Another important precursor was the Dutch architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage, who made a significant contribution to the development of architectural expressionism in the Netherlands.

Most popular buildings

Memorial Church in Berlin (Gedächtniskirche) - Also known as the Kaiserdamm, this is a partially destroyed church in Berlin that has become a symbol of war damage and has been rebuilt in the spirit of Expressionism.

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin (Brandenburger Tor) - Built between 1788 and 1791, it was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II, restoring its original expressionist character.

Einstein Laboratory in Potsdam (Einsteinturm) - The astronomical observatory designed by Erich Mendelsohn in 1919 is considered one of the most important works of architectural expressionism.

Breslau Hangars (Centennial Hall) - Built between 1911 and 1913, these huge exhibition halls have an expressionist design of reinforced concrete and steel arches.

Nuremberg, Municipal Documentation Centre of the Nazi Party (Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelände) - Designed by Günther Dom, this modern museum is located on the site of former Nazi rallies.

Tower of Babel - This is one of the most famous expressionist buildings, designed by architect Frans de Catel in 1922. The tower is 100 metres high and is unique for its irregular shapes and fanciful forms.

The House of the Sun - is another example of an expressionist building, designed by the famous architect Walter Gropius. The building was built in 1923 and is characterised by its flat roof, curved walls and large glazing to provide light to the interior.

These are just a few examples of the most famous expressionist buildings. Architectural expressionism has played an important role in the history of architecture, contributing to the development of new ideas and experiments in building design.