De Stijl
De Stijl (The Style) was an art and design movement that developed in Netherlands, partly as a consequence of its isolation during WWI. Sometimes referred to as neoplasticism, it was recognisable for its pure abstraction, reflected in the use of strong vertical and horizontal lines, bold primary colours and the articulation of distinct functional elements. It was adopted in art (notably by Mondrian), design, architecture, literature and music.
De Stijl was a reaction against Art Deco and Modern Baroque, advocating a movement away from decoration to a stripped back visual language more representative of the modern world. Mondrian suggested it was a search "for the universal, as the individual was losing its significance."
A group of artists began to meet in 1915 to set up an art journal. De Stijl was initially the name of a publication founded in 1917 by abstract artist, Piet Mondrian and artist and architect, Theo van Doesburg. Other members of the group included architects Gerrit Rietveld and JJP Oud.
Mondrian wrote: "...this new plastic idea will ignore the particulars of appearance, that is to say, natural form and colour. On the contrary, it should find its expression in the abstraction of form and colour, that is to say, in the straight line and the clearly defined primary colour".
Its unique evolution in the Netherlands came in part as it remained neutral during WWI. Dutch artists could not leave the country after 1914 and so were isolated from other developing styles.
Whilst relatively little architecture was actually produced during the short period De Stijl continued, it nonetheless had a significant impact, and its influence can be seen in buildings such as Rietveld’s Schröder House, J.J.P. Oud’s Café De Unie, and Charles and Ray Eames Eames House. Its legacy can also be seen in the work of architects such as Mies van der Rohe and the development of the Bauhaus style and the international style.
In 1924 Mondrian left the group when van Doesburg suggested diagonal lines were more vital than horizontal and vertical lines.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.