First Thoughts on the Project Themes

 This is my first post that relates to my next project. We were given four topics from which we had to choose one. But before I do this, I have to explore every topic and in this post I will describe everything I have learned and also my first thoughts and ideas that I had while exploring these topics. Since my subject area is architecture, I will consider these topics in architecture in more detail.

Expressionism

This style appeared in Germany during and after the First World War. The war affected the peace and the inner state of people, and many began to express their feelings through art. People showed their reaction to the modern post-war world. Expression of feelings is the main feature of this style. Most of the works show gloomy emotions such as pain, anxiety, tension. But among them there are also which shows hope and faith in a better future. In architecture, this style looks very unusual and attract attention. At first, it reminded me a little deconstructivism. Buildings also have broken or smooth lines and shapes. However,  in expressionism, buildings look like one whole object, not different parts. Some expressionist buildings tend to reach upwards as well as in ghotic style. When I looked at examples of buildings of this style, they looked like they combined elements of different styles, such as ghotic, deconstuctivism, modern. I think expersionist architecture focusses more on artistic expressiveness than on functionality. Therefore, for a project in this style, I would choose ideas of a public buildings such as museum or theatre rather than a residential complex.

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Earthly delights

This is a theme that describes all the pleasures that a person can get in the world. Something that brings for human a positive emotions. For example, delicious food, comfort, hobbies, various procedures (spa, massage and more). Compared to expressionism, it's not a style, but a theme that has existed at all times and may be called differently. This topic also as expressionism describes feelings and emotions, but only positive ones. One of the most famous works on this topic is the painting The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymous Bosch. It shows eden, hell and all kinds of delights on the earth. In architecture on this topic, environmentally friendly and easy-to-use materials are often used, systems in the house that save energy and water, and also design comfortable houses. When I was exploring this topic, I had an idea to design a public space where a person can relax and take a break from the urban chaos. I imagine this place with a lot of plants, water. It should also be a quiet place. And maybe I can include rooms with massage, library, sauna or yoga here. I also think that projects of a restaurant, a theatre, and maybe a sports complex will be suitable for this topic.

Bauhaus

This style appeared at the art school in Germany in 1919. It appeared as a reaction of people on very decorated design. Artists and designers began to make projects simpler, without decor and with straight lines. This style focusses on functionality without adding anything extra. I think this style has never lost his popularity because there are always consumers who are looking for a simple, efficient and functional design. I think this style is ideal for projects of residential buildings, schools, kindergartens and possibly factories. Such projects are focussed on functionality more than on architectural expressiveness. I also think that projects in this style are built faster and easier.

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Mix media

This is a theme in the projects of which different materials, techniques and styles are combined. For example, artists can use different materials for their project to create layers and also use different drawing techniques. Designers can use different fabrics and styles for design. Architects can combine different building materials as well as different architectural styles bear in their projects. Mixed media can also be used to present the project. For example, to present illustrations in hand-drawn and digital techniques. Or make a digital drawing by adding sketches made by hand, collages and materials. I often saw architectural projects where old buildings were reconstructed and modern elements were added to ancient architectural styles. For example, the use of glass or frame. I also had an idea to make a project of a building where the raw stone mass gradually turns into architectural elements, for example, into classic architecture. This transition is visible only from in exterior and inside there will be an usual interior with elements of raw stone. This project is like making a sculpture by cutting out of stone.

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References

1. Unknown (n. d.) ‘Expressionism in Architecture and Urbanism’, Expertise Centre Architecture Urbanism Health. Available at: https://www.a-u-h.eu/expressionism/ (Accessed at: 18 January 2026)

2. Unknown (2022) ‘A Brief History of Architecture in the Expressionist Movement’, Optima. Available at: https://www.optima.inc/a-brief-history-of-architecture-in-the-expressionist-movement/ (Accessed at: 18 January 2026)

3. Lewandovski, T., Merin, G. (2010) ‘AD Classics: Dessau Bauhaus/ Walter Gropius’, ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/87728/ad-classics-dessau-bauhaus-walter-gropius (Accessed at: 18 January 2026)

4. Unknown (n. d.) ‘Top 10 Best Glass Buildings in the World’, Streetspacestructures. Available at: https://streetspacestructures.co.uk/best-glass-buildings/ (Accessed at: 18 January 2026)