template

CLICK HERE FOR INDEX PAGE

Introduction to the De Stijl Design Movement

PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE WORKSHEETS

CLICK HERE FOR POWERPOINT VERSION OF WORKSHEETS

The De Stijl (Dutch for "The Style") design movement, also known as Neoplasticism, was founded in the Netherlands in 1917 by artists like Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg. The De Stijl movement had a significant impact on modern art and design, influencing various fields, including architecture, furniture design, and graphic design. Its emphasis on simplicity, abstraction, and harmony continues to inspire contemporary designers.

Here are the key features of the De Stijl movement:

Abstract and Geometric Forms

Primary Colours: Use of primary colours (red, blue, and yellow) along with black, white, and gray.
Geometric Shapes: Emphasis on straight lines, right angles, and geometric shapes like squares and rectangles.

Simplicity and Minimalism

Reduction to Essentials: Stripping down forms to their basic elements to achieve simplicity.
Minimalist Aesthetic: Avoidance of decoration and ornamentation.

Harmony and Balance

Asymmetrical Balance: Achieving harmony through the asymmetrical arrangement of geometric elements.
Dynamic Equilibrium: Balancing opposing forces to create a sense of stability and order.

Integration of Art and Design

Unified Aesthetic: Integration of architecture, furniture, and graphic design to create a cohesive visual language.
Functionalism: Emphasis on practical and functional design.

Influence of Modernity

Embrace of Technology: Incorporation of modern materials and techniques.
Influence of Cubism: Inspiration from the fragmented forms and multiple perspectives of Cubist art.

Key Figures and Works

Piet Mondrian: Known for his abstract paintings featuring grids of black lines and blocks of primary colours.

Theo van Doesburg: Founder of the movement and key figure in its development, known for his theoretical writings and architectural designs.

Gerrit Rietveld: Designer of the iconic Red and Blue Chair and the Schröder House.

SAMPLE PATTERNS, TEXTURES AND DESIGNS

TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF DE STIJL FURNITURE

"Red and Blue Chair" designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1917. A prime example of the De Stijl art movement, it's characterized by its use of primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) and geometric forms.
The chair features a red backrest, a blue seat, and a black frame with yellow accents at the ends of the armrests and legs. Its design is notable for its simplicity, use of straight lines, and the way it deconstructs traditional furniture forms into basic geometric shapes.

This chair is significant in the history of modern design, for its innovative approach and influence on later minimalist and abstract art and design movements. It is both a piece of art and a functional piece of furniture. The design reflects the cultural and social changes of the early 20th century, a time when society was rapidly modernising. The design embodies the spirit of innovation and progress that characterised the era.

De Stijl Inspired Chair

The De Stijl inspired chair features the movement’s iconic minimalism, emphasising primary colours. The design uses vertical and horizontal lines to create a sense of order and harmony. The chair has a clean, geometric structure with rectangular and square shapes, reflecting the De Stijl principles of abstraction and simplicity. The materials used are typically industrial, such as metal, highlighting functionality and artistry. This combination of pure geometric forms, a limited colour palette, and a focus on balance and clarity captures the essence of the De Stijl design movement, resulting in a visually striking and conceptually refined chair.

De Stijl Inspired House

A De Stijl inspired detached house features a minimalist design characterised by primary colors (red, blue, yellow) alongside black, white, and gray. The architecture emphasizes geometric shapes and horizontal and vertical lines, creating a sense of harmony and balance. Open spaces and large windows maximize natural light, enhancing the interior's simplicity. Furniture and decor follow the same principles, with clean lines and functionality at the forefront. This style merges art and architecture, resulting in a visually striking and serene living environment.

De Stijl Inspired Town Centre

A town inspired by the De Stijl movement would embody geometric abstraction, primary colours, and an emphasis on harmony and order. Buildings would feature clean, rectilinear lines and a minimalist aesthetic, often employing a grid-based layout. The colour palette would be dominated by primary colours (red, blue, and yellow) along with black, white and grey. Public spaces would be designed with a focus on functionality and simplicity, integrating art and architecture seamlessly. Furniture and decor would exhibit a similar geometric and colour scheme, enhancing the cohesive visual language of the town. Overall, a De Stijl-inspired town would evoke a sense of balance, clarity and modernity, reflecting the movement's principles of universal harmony and abstraction.

CLICK HERE FOR PRODUCT DESIGN INDEX PAGE