Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
From Bauhaus to Our House summary
Brief summary
From Bauhaus to Our House by Tom Wolfe is a critical and entertaining exploration of modern architecture. Wolfe takes aim at the Bauhaus movement and its impact on American architecture, offering insightful and humorous commentary.
Topics
Table of Contents
From Bauhaus to Our House
Summary of key ideas
A Critical Take on Modern Architecture
In From Bauhaus to Our House, Tom Wolfe offers a critical analysis of modern architecture and its impact on American cities. He begins by tracing the origins of modern architecture to the Bauhaus school in Germany, where the principles of functionalism, minimalism, and technological innovation were first established. The author argues that these principles, which were well-suited to the social and economic conditions of post-World War I Europe, were inappropriately transplanted to the United States after World War II.
Wolfe maintains that the European architects who immigrated to the United States, such as Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, failed to understand the unique characteristics and needs of American cities. Instead of adapting their designs to the American context, they imposed their modernist vision, resulting in the construction of cold, impersonal, and monolithic buildings that were out of place in the urban landscape.
The Rise of Modernist Architecture
The author then delves into the rise of modernist architecture in postwar America, particularly in the form of urban renewal projects. Wolfe argues that these projects, driven by the modernist belief in the power of architecture to shape society, led to the destruction of historic neighborhoods and the displacement of their inhabitants. He contends that the new structures that replaced the old were not only aesthetically unappealing but also failed to fulfill the social functions they were intended for.
Wolfe uses the example of New York's Penn Station, an architectural masterpiece demolished in the name of progress, as a poignant illustration of the shortcomings of modernist architecture. He laments the loss of the station's grandeur and its replacement with the uninspiring Madison Square Garden, calling it an act of architectural vandalism.
The Cult of the Architect
According to Wolfe, one of the key problems with modernist architecture was the cult of the architect that developed around it. He argues that architects, imbued with a sense of their own artistic genius, began to prioritize their personal vision over the needs and desires of the people who would inhabit their buildings. This, in turn, led to a disconnect between architecture and its users, resulting in buildings that were technically impressive but socially alienating.
Wolfe also criticizes the role of architectural critics and historians in perpetuating the myth of modernist architecture's superiority. He argues that these experts, often educated in the same modernist tradition, were complicit in promoting a narrow and dogmatic view of architecture, stifling alternative approaches and marginalizing dissenting voices.
A Call for a Return to Tradition
In the final part of From Bauhaus to Our House, Wolfe calls for a reevaluation of modernist architecture and a return to architectural tradition. He argues that the rejection of historical styles and the embrace of radical innovation, hallmarks of modernism, have led to a disregard for the lessons of the past and a loss of architectural continuity. Instead, he advocates for an architecture that is rooted in its cultural and historical context, responsive to the needs of its users, and respectful of the urban fabric.
In conclusion, From Bauhaus to Our House is a scathing critique of modernist architecture and its impact on American cities. Wolfe's passionate argument against the dominance of modernist principles in architecture, and his call for a return to tradition, has sparked intense debate within the architectural community and beyond.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is From Bauhaus to Our House about?
From Bauhaus to Our House by Tom Wolfe explores the impact of the Bauhaus movement on modern architecture. Wolfe critiques the minimalist and functionalist approach of Bauhaus, arguing that it has led to the homogenization of buildings and the loss of individuality in design. With his signature wit and sharp observations, Wolfe offers a thought-provoking analysis of the evolution of architectural style.
From Bauhaus to Our House Review
From Bauhaus to Our House (1981) sheds light on the impact of Bauhaus architecture on American cities, critiquing the homogenization of modern buildings. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- It provides insightful analysis on the history and influence of the Bauhaus movement in shaping the architectural landscape of the US.
- The book offers a critical perspective on modern architecture, challenging conventional notions and encouraging readers to reconsider their surroundings.
- Through Fascinating anecdotes and sharp observations, the book presents a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged and enlightened throughout.
Who should read From Bauhaus to Our House?
Architecture enthusiasts who want to understand the impact of Bauhaus on modern architecture
Readers interested in the cultural and social implications of architectural movements
Individuals who enjoy Tom Wolfe's witty and insightful writing style
Categories with From Bauhaus to Our House
Book summaries like From Bauhaus to Our House
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
From Bauhaus to Our House FAQs
What is the main message of From Bauhaus to Our House?
The main message of From Bauhaus to Our House critiques modern architecture and its impact on contemporary society.
How long does it take to read From Bauhaus to Our House?
Reading From Bauhaus to Our House takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is From Bauhaus to Our House a good book? Is it worth reading?
From Bauhaus to Our House is worth reading for its insightful analysis of architectural trends in an engaging narrative.
Who is the author of From Bauhaus to Our House?
The author of From Bauhaus to Our House is Tom Wolfe.
What to read after From Bauhaus to Our House?
If you're wondering what to read next after From Bauhaus to Our House, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda