What is expressionism in architecture?
Expressionism is an architectural movement of around 1910–1930 with expressive, sculptural forms, unusual roofs and dramatic façades. In Germany known through architects like Erich Mendelsohn and Hans Poelzig; in the Netherlands largely identified with the Amsterdam School.
Characteristics
Expressionism rebelled against the strict rational style of earlier periods. Typical features include:
- Flowing, organic forms — undulating façades, rounded corners
- Sculptural brick architecture — façades with deep shadow play
- Decorative brickwork — corbelling, relief detail, ornament
- Stepped massing — façades that step in and out
- Art and architecture united — sculptors and glass artists worked alongside architects
- Symbolic motifs — ships, plants, geometric patterns
Two main strands
German expressionism
In Germany, expressionism took several forms:
- Crystalline shapes — inspired by natural crystals
- Concrete and glass — notably Erich Mendelsohn (Einstein Tower, 1921)
- Theatrical roofs — Hans Poelzig (Grosses Schauspielhaus, Berlin)
- Brick monuments — Fritz Höger (Chilehaus, Hamburg)
Amsterdam School (Netherlands, 1915–1930)
The Dutch variant featured:
- Social housing — for workers’ districts
- Playful brickwork — moulded “Amsterdam” bricks in wavy patterns
- Tropical motifs — through Dutch East Indies influence
- Architects — Michel de Klerk, Piet Kramer, Hendrik Wijdeveld
Notable examples: Het Scheepvaarthuis, Het Schip, De Dageraad.
Application
Expressionism is found in:
| Building type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Social housing | Het Schip, De Dageraad |
| Office buildings | Scheepvaarthuis, Chilehaus |
| Bridges | Berlage Bridge and other Amsterdam bridges |
| Churches | Various examples |
| Schools | Including Waldorf schools |
Difference from other movements
- Rationalism — strict, functional, no ornament
- Art Nouveau — stylised plant forms, more decorative
- Amsterdam School — Dutch form of expressionism
- New Objectivity — successor, free of ornament
Heritage today
Many expressionist buildings are listed. The Chilehaus in Hamburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2015). Museum Het Schip in Amsterdam tells the story of the Amsterdam School in a 1919 De Klerk building.
Related terms
- Amsterdam school
- Berlage
- Bossche School
- Modernism
- New Building
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