Hundertwasser Architecture

Fifth grade students learned about the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.  He was a highly creative painter, architect and philosopher from Austria. After analyzing his artwork, students helped create a list of common characteristics in Hundertwasser's artwork:  

Common Characteristics:

Subjects:

- Faces

- Buildings

- Plants

Art Elements/ Principles:

- Line: curving, especially spirals

- Pattern: shapes and colors

- Colorful

- Variety

Most classes came up with a basic list like the one above.  We used this list to create requirements for our Hundertwasser artwork.  Students completed 2 thumbnail sketches of their architectural plans and consulted with me about layout and details before moving on with their favorite on the final paper. During work time, I read the book Hundertwasser for Kids: Harvesting Dreams.  

This is a fantastic book that really gives a window into the philosophies of Hundertwasser and shows how his thinking impacted his artwork and architecture.  He was an artist who strongly believed in uniqueness, imperfection and the importance of nature.  All of the classes enjoyed listening to this book while coloring and painting their own unique masterpieces!  The kids loved the freedom and creativity that this project involved... and lets face it that is how Hundertwasser would have wanted it!

Learning goals: I can...

- Tell about Hundertwasser

- Explain what an architect does

- Create my own unique architecture inspired by Hundertwasser