STEREOSKOP
 





GUNTA STÖLZL - THE THINKING HAND
by Anupama Kundoo

Anupama Kundoo’s internationally recognised and award-winning architecture practice started in 1990, demonstrates a strong focus on material research and experimentation towards an architecture that has low environmental impact and is appropriate to the socio-economic context. Kundoo has built extensively in India and has had the experience of working, researching and teaching in a variety of cultural contexts across the world: TU Berlin, AA School of Architecture London, Parsons New School of Design New York, University of Queensland Brisbane, IUAV Venice and ETSAB Barcelona.
2025


The research conducted at the Bauhaus was analog, engaging the whole body and all of life, in which spinitand matter coexist, and the human scale was ever present. Forms and materials were investigated as interde pendentintegral aspects of the object being designed.

Respect for materials, and direct engagement with them led to explorations and radical new interpretations that were appropriate to the context and time and aimed to steer society forward.



Gunta Stölz, Bauhaus Rug, ca. 1920-1930

Gunta Stölzl’s research and experimentation in the weaving department created enormous impact and symbolises the radical shifts that came out of the Bauhaus. I believe the experimental spirit of the Bauhaus is even more relevant today, when the rapidly transforming built environment and related environmental depletion as well as socio-economic challenges all for radical rethinking.

The need for a laboratory where design comes out of intense research, experimentation and self discovery can set new standards. Despite all technological advances contemporary architecture continues to use significantly more resources per capita than ever before in history, and the need for material research alongside form development cannot be overstated.




Gunta Stölzl, Design for a wall hanging, 1928

We co-exist with others in the environment that is in jeopardy, and we need to recognise design as synthesis of spirit and matter. Design has the potential of redefining everything we know, and rethinking everything we see, make and use the impact of the Bauhaus demonstates exactly this.