Nieuwe Zakelijkheid

Nieuwe Zakelijkheid, translated as New Objectivity or New Pragmatism, is a Dutch phrase usually describing a period of modernist architecture that started in the 1920s and continued into the 1930s; the term is also used to denote a (brief) period in art and literature (esp. the early novels Blokken, Knorrende Beesten, and Bint by Ferdinand Bordewijk^[1]). Related to and descended from the German movement Neue Sachlichkeit, Nieuwe Zakelijkheid is characterized by angular shapes and designs that are generally free of ornamentation and decoration. The architecture is based on functional considerations and often included open layouts that allowed spaces to be used with flexibility. Sliding doors were included in some of the designs.^[2]

The movement is associated with Het Nieuwe Bouwen (new building) and was contemporary and related to cubism and De Stijl, and applies similar design principles to architecture.^[3] kheid+architecture. Dutch architects working in this style included Theo van Doesburg, Gerrit Rietveld, and J.J.P. Oud.^[4] The architectural style is similar to Piet Mondrian's artwork who was working contemporaneously with the architects. Common influences are also seen in furniture designs.^{[citation needed]}

Some critics associated the style with dogmatic marxism or capitalism, seeing in the buildings a refleciton of the mass produced values that comes with a focus on economy rather than craftsmanship.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. ^ There continues to be disagreement as to whether Bordewijk really "belonged" to that style. See Ralf Grüttemeier, "Bordewijk en de Nieuwe Zakelijkheid," in Tijdschrift voor Nederlandse taal- en letterkunde 115: 334–55. 1999. http://www.dbnl.org/tekst/grut003bord01_01/index.htm. Retrieved 2009-07-21. 
2. ^ D. J. M. van der Voordt, Herman B. R. Wegen Architecture in Use page 56
3. ^ Dennis Sharp The Illustrated encyclopedia of architects and architecture 1991
4. ^ [1]