The effect of Bauhaus School on furniture and architecture in Egyptian Films during the 50s and till the 70s

Throughout the course of history there has been a number of art movements and schools that helped shape the modern and contemporary taste in décor and furniture. One of the most important of which is the Bauhaus school that appeared in Germany in the early twentieth century. The pioneers of the school has left to other countries worldwide after its closure in the 1930s in Berlin (its final destination in Germany) sharing the school ideas.

Egypt hasn’t been isolated from what was happening in the contemporary art world concerning modern schools and movements, as this research uncovers the impact of the Bauhaus school on the work of the interior designers and directors of Egyptian films. As per observing Egyptian films that date back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s, this research was able to prove how and to what extent did the Bauhaus school influence Egyptian film furniture and décor at the time.

This research attempted to explore the nature of the Bauhaus school influence, be it an influence by the ideas and characteristics of the school, or a resemblance that can be spotted by comparing the furniture used in the Egyptian films during that period to specific Bauhaus school products.

To achieve that purpose, this research paper analyzed some of the furniture and décor used in Egyptian films produced during the 50s and till the 70s, to be able to spot the similarities between the Bauhaus school designs and the Egyptian film furniture and décor design, be it a direct resemblance to a specific Bauhaus product or affiliations to the characteristics and modern approaches of the school.

The research concludes that, although some of the décor and pieces of furniture used in the films subject to study resembled certain Bauhaus school products, some other items were mere creations, creations affiliated to the characteristics, main style, abstract ideas and philosophy of the school.