Career, biography and origin of Hannes Meyer

Hannes Meyer was born on November 18, 1889.

Hannes Meyer, a Swiss architect and urban planner, became famous for his central role in the development of the Bauhaus, a revolutionary school of art, architecture and design founded in Germany in 1919. After studying architecture and working in Switzerland , he joined the Bauhaus in Weimar in 1927 as director of the new school of architecture. Under his leadership, Meyer helped shape the functionalist approach of the Bauhaus, emphasizing rationality, utility, and democratic aesthetics. 

He also put these ideas into practice by carrying out urban projects in Dessau, where the Bauhaus moved in 1925, such as the famous Dammerstock residence. However, Meyer also faced internal criticism and disagreement, leading to his dismissal in 1930 by the other members of the Bauhaus. Despite his short time as director, Hannes Meyer left a lasting influence on the Bauhaus and is widely recognized as one of the most important modernist architects of his era.

Hannes Meyer was a world-renowned Swiss architect and urban planner. Born on November 18, 1889 in Basel, he had a significant influence on the modern movement in 20th century architecture. Convinced that architecture should serve to improve people’s lives, Meyer has dedicated himself to finding innovative solutions to solve social problems related to housing and urban planning. After completing his studies at the Stuttgart Higher Technical School, he worked briefly with Peter Behrens, a famous German architect. Then he joined the famous Bauhaus movement in 1927, at the invitation of Walter Gropius. 

As director of the Bauhaus School of Architecture in Dessau, he played a major role in integrating the applied arts into architecture, promoting a functionalist approach and encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations. Meyer has completed several notable projects, including the social housing project “Le Coopérative de la Parc” in Basel as well as the “Cinéma-Théâtre et Café” complex in Geneva. His approach to architecture, focused on efficiency and social inclusion, influenced many architects of his generation and continues to inspire professionals today. Hannes Meyer is considered one of the pioneers of the modern movement in architecture and his legacy endures. His progressive vision and commitment to improving everyday life through architecture have made him a true celebrity in the world of architecture. His work continues to command admiration and respect in the field of urban planning and architecture.

Hannes Meyer, a famous Swiss architect and designer, was born on November 18, 1889 in Basel, Switzerland. He is the son of Rudolf Meyer, a renowned architect, and Sophie Schmidt, a talented artist. Hannes inherited their passion for art and architecture, and grew up in a stimulating creative environment. His maternal grandfather, Wilhelm Schmidt, was also an architect, and his maternal grandmother, Maria Müller, was an accomplished pianist.

 The Meyer family has a long line of talented artists and architects dating back several generations. Hannes’ older brother, Fritz Meyer, became a famous painter, while his sister, Anna Meyer, became a noted sculptor. Artistic talents were also passed down through the female branch of the family, where some cousins ​​became internationally renowned dancers and singers. Hannes Meyer married Gertrud Preiswerk, a textile artist, and together they had two children, Martin and Ursula. Martin Meyer followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a renowned architect, while Ursula chose a career in interior design. Thus, Hannes Meyer’s genealogy is marked by a strong family heritage in the field of art and architecture, which influenced his artistic and professional career.