Compare and contrast Untitled (mirrored cubes) by Robert Morris to Bauhaus Building by Walter Gropius – An ‘Isms’ Overview

The field of modernist architecture is characterized by innovation, abstraction, and an emphasis on functionality. Both Robert Morris’ Untitled (Mirrored Cubes) and Walter Gropius’ Bauhaus Building are exemplary manifestations of these principles. While one is a temporary installation and the other a permanent structure, they share fundamental elements that have had a lasting impact on the trajectory of modern architectural expression.

Untitled (Mirrored Cubes) comprises a series of mirrored cubes arranged in various configurations, challenging viewers’ perceptions of space and reflections. The use of modular forms and reflective surfaces engenders a visually dynamic experience that invites active engagement. In contrast, the Bauhaus Building exemplifies the aesthetics of the International Style, featuring clean lines, cubic forms, and a minimalist colour palette. Its glass curtain walls and steel framework manifest an open, transparent structure that epitomizes the modernist movement’s quest for functional expression.

Morris’ installation reflects the Minimalist movement’s rejection of subjective expression and focus on the viewer’s sensory experience. Untitled (Mirrored Cubes) embodies the idea of phenomenology, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own perception and relationship to space. Gropius’ Bauhaus Building, on the other hand, is rooted in the Bauhaus school’s philosophy of integrating art, craft, and technology. It aims to create a holistic approach to design by merging aesthetics with functionality, an ideology that significantly influenced modern architecture.

Untitled (Mirrored Cubes) emerged during the 1960s, a time marked by societal change and cultural upheaval. The installation’s interactive nature and its reflection of the viewer’s surroundings mirror the era’s emphasis on individual experience and self-awareness. In contrast, the Bauhaus Building was conceived in post-World War I Germany, a period marked by economic hardship and a desire for social progress. Gropius envisioned the Bauhaus as a place for experimentation, education, and the unification of arts and crafts to address societal challenges and improve living conditions.

In comparing Robert Morris‘ Untitled (Mirrored Cubes) and Walter Gropius‘ Bauhaus Building, it becomes evident that both works exemplify the principles of modernist architecture, albeit in different ways. The installation challenges traditional notions of space and perception, inviting viewers to engage actively with their surroundings. In contrast, the Bauhaus Building embodies the movement’s ideals of functionality, integration of art and technology, and social progress. Together, these two works contribute to the broader discourse on modern architecture, showcasing the transformative power of innovative design and the enduring relevance of their underlying philosophies.