Constructivism

In spite of the German Werkbund which led to Modernism, many movements and styles were born after the 1917 such as De Stijl, Bauhaus, Constructivism, International Style and others which followed. Constructivism started in Russia 1917, the time when the Bolsheviks came to power and led to the Russian revolution. There had been severe political issues and after the dead of John Lenin, Joseph Stalin took over with his new ideas and reforms.

Constructivism was inspired mainly from Cubism, Suprematism and Futurism. The characteristics are geometric shapes, formal order, flat colours, and use of black, clean lines, photomontage and the use of Sans Sherif typography. It was a time where industry was being given more importance than decoration itself. New technology was coming through and industrials were adopting different methods and ways of producing furniture and other goods. Rodchenko and El Lissitzky were contributing in typography and graphic design. In fact, Sans Sherif was born at this time featuring both use of bold lettering and less line width in the font itself.

A very popular designer which had a great influence of this movement is Vladimir Tatlin. He played an important role and contributed much especially when he made the ‘Tatlin’s Tower’ for governmental purposes. Consequently, this had brought the movement further to its highest level between 1919 and 1920. He also formed part of the Russian avant-garde art movement together with Kazimir Malevich. Malevich was more concerned with Suprematism and geometric abstract. We can see how his works relate with Suprematism and also some evidence of Cubism as well.

 The Knife Sharpener

Looking through the lens of design we can talk about some inventions such as the cantilevering which was very popular in furniture design. This had brought advantages mainly in reducing use of the materials, gaining more space and making furniture somehow different and unreal. Marcel Breuer experimented this method in his chairs and used tubular steel which was gaining popularity at that time together with plywood.

We can see an example of his works which prove the use of materials and the method of cantilevering

Model B32 Chair by Marcel Breuer

Talking about materials, the constructivists wanted to change the mentality of expression. Usually art and design expresses feelings and aesthetic beauty but now it was time focus on how materials behave together, how would they contribute to the function of the product and accommodate the users’ needs.

We can also make reference to Gerrit Rietveld’s Zigzag chair made in 1934 which also reflects the method of cantilevering together with its simple design of just straight lines and rectangular forms. We also notice the use of steel which paves the way to Modernism, new materials and innovative methods. Rietveld has also contributed to the De Stijl movement which will be later discussed.

Zigzag Chair by Gerrit Rietveld

Nowadays, we make use of cantilevering mainly in the building and construction field mentioning bridges, road works such as fly-overs and others. As for architecture, we can take a look at some very interesting extended areas of the architecture itself mainly to bond the interior with the exterior; bringing nature inside and feel part of it.

Extended architecture and bridge

References:

Fiell, C. and Fiell, P. (1999). Design of the 20th century. Ko¨ln: Taschen.

Design Real, 2015. Cantilever Chair. [ONLINE] Available at: <http://design-real.com/bench/.> [Accessed 22 January 2015].

The Art Story, 2014.Constructivism Movement, Artists and Major Works [ONLINE] Available at: <http://www.theartstory.org/movement-constructivism.htm.> [Accessed 22 January 2015].