Protomodernism

The Protomodernism period started in 1897 and lasted until 1959.  One could begin to see the emergence of modernism throughout the many projects from this period.  It was also a time of significant experimentation with forms and ideas.  The Deutscher Werkbund Movement, the Vienna Secession, and the De Stijl Movement were all included in the Protomodernist time.  The Deutscher Werkbund began in Munich, Germany in 1892: then Vienna, Austria in 1898; and finally Berlin, Germany in 1899.   The Deutscher Werkbund was founded by Herman Muthesius and included high quality design as well as beauty.  This movement was equivalent to the Arts and Crafts movement in that it too was a protest, a protest against artistic establishment.  It was a lead in, for International Style and Art Deco Style.  Next was the Vienna Secession.  During the Secession many advances were made in art, history, psychology, and philosophy.  In addition, the interest for culture and design grew.  One could see the unity of the arts during this time.  The Secession Building, designed by Josef Olbrich was solemn, yet festive, and was a major symbol of a "proto-modern" building.  Some of the other influential figures from this time were Gustav Kilmt, Otto Wagner, Adolf Loos, Joseph Hoffman, and Koloman Mosser.  Finally, was the De Stijl movement which began in the Netherlands in 1917.  The term "De Stijl" means "the style" in Dutch, which is a very fitting adjective for this time.  Most of the designs during the De Stijl movement revolved around elementary shapes as its main focus, planes, colors, and horizantal and vertical lines.  Two important figures during this time were an architect named Gerrit Rietvald and an artist named Piet Mondriad.  Gerrit Rietvald was one of the most influential designers of the century.  Some of his works include the famous Schroder House whose design featured a flexible floor plan as well as bringing the indoors and outdoors together.  Piet Mondriad was an artist inspired by cubist art form from France.  He wanted to create a "new plasticity" all while focusing on the use of primary colors.  Some of his works include "Composition in Red, Blue and Yellow" and "Broadway Boogie Woogie."  Lastly, Protomodernism helped introduce the world to Frank Lloyd Wright.  He was an early contributor to Modernism and developed an "American" architecture and vocabulary.  His main focus was on residential homes and making them into "Prairie Style."  His color palette was drawn from the indigenous plants of the Midwest and used throughout his designs.  One of his most famous buildings that really exemplifies his best work is the Robie House.  

Past

Present

Extra Credit: The Robie House
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plAjz9phId0