Linz Electronica

After a week of spring break, our class met up again to re-visit our travel plans. This time we were introduced to the sights of Linz, Austria and their annual Ars Electronica festival. Although we will be missing the festival (it begins in September and we will be there in early summer), the history and museum is astounding!

What I am most excited about seeing is the Museum of the Future and their Deep Space Exhibition. Growing up I used to visit the local planetarium and loved looking up at the big, rounded screens that made you feel like you were in space. With the newest technology, I feel like I will be literally immersed in the projections. Not only will we be able to look a space, but also videos taken for Google Eartha and other documentaries. The feeling of flight is one of my favorite things. I am also eager to see what scientists and artists are doing with the latest technology to entertain, educate, and better the world with their newest inventions. This museum is as influential today as the Bauhaus was back in it's prime.

As for the rest of Linz, I can't wait to see the mix of modern and past architecture. To see buildings that date back to Medieval and Renaissance times is mind-blowing. Here in America we can visit places that date back to the Native American tribes and the first settlers and pilgrims, but to be able to see history that spans even further back really has me excited. I find it interesting that the city qualifies as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. I am in high hopes of experiencing their culture, art, and food during our stay there. 

Bauhaus Presentation

For our second presentation, a group presented on the Bauhaus. Of the three establishments, our focus will mainly be on Dessau and Berlin. Having taken History of Graphic Design and taken three years of German in the past, I am most excited about visiting the Bauhaus and Germany.

I am fascinated how the Bauhaus was the origin of design and the basis of design degrees for the modern school system. The students were exposed to all the different art styles before being funneled into their strengths and focusing on a primary major. One of the coolest things is how they were not only practicing design in the classroom, but also integrated unique design into the architecture. To see the passion put forth by their founders in every aspect of the Bauhaus really excites me to see first hand all that they did.

It's sad to hear how the school was eventually closed due to Nazi occupation, but interesting to learn about the transformation into an aircraft manufacturing plant. As with many faucities being turned into war machine manufacturings during the war in Amercia, I am excited to compare it with that of the German enforcements.

In Germany, I hope to reconnect with speaking the German language with locals. I took much enjoyment in learning the language years ago and hope that hearing it around me will help bring back some of the knowledge I learned. Just like Switzerland, the food selection sounds exquisite! Out of all the meals, I am strangly attracted to the German breakfast the most. Might be because they believe in warm drinks in the morning, such as hot chocolate, rather than orange juice. But that's what my German teacher told me years ago haha. Overall, I can't wait to visit Germany and the Bauhaus!