While Bauhaus architecture often focused on simplicity and functionality, there were some examples of innovative handrail designs that showcased the principles of the movement. Here are a few examples:
1. Walter Gropius' Bauhaus Building in Dessau: Completed in 1926, the building features a unique handrail design on the exterior staircases. The handrails are made of slender steel rods that run parallel to the steps, creating a linear and modernist aesthetic.
2. Marcel Breuer's Wassily Chair: Designed in 1925, the Wassily Chair is a classic Bauhaus furniture piece. While not a traditional handrail, it incorporates a tubular steel framework that serves as armrests on either side, demonstrating an innovative approach to structural design.
3. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion: Built as the German Pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, this iconic structure showcases an innovative handrail design. The staircase handrail is composed of thin, polished steel bars, creating a minimalistic and elegant visual effect.
4. Marcel Breuer's Staircase at the Bahaus Building in Dessau: Another example from the Bauhaus Building in Dessau, this staircase incorporates a cantilevered handrail design. Instead of traditional handrails mounted on vertical posts, the handrails are suspended from the ceiling, creating a floating effect and contributing to the building's overall sleek and modern appearance.
5. The Fagus Factory by Walter Gropius: Completed in 1911, this early example of Bauhaus architecture features a unique handrail design. The handrails are made of thin steel cables, forming a minimalistic and industrial aesthetic that aligns with the Bauhaus philosophy.
These examples demonstrate the innovative and forward-thinking approach of Bauhaus architects in incorporating handrails into their designs, showcasing simplicity, functionality, and experimentation with materials and structural principles.
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