Bricks | Roof | Power

The Employment Office in Dessau, built in 1928–1929 based on designs by Walter Gropius’ office, is considered an important example of functionalist modern architecture. With its yellow brick façade, the building contrasts with the radiantly white Bauhaus buildings and forms a tie to the materials of the Fagus factory, which Gropius designed with Adolf Meyer (1911). The origin of the yellow bricks has yet to be determined.

Based on a study by the Reich Ministry of Labour from 1925, Gropius created a new type of building with the Employment Office that united functionality and aesthetics. The concept provided for public traffic without intersections, electric signs, and networking by telegraph. The flexible use of space made it possible to adapt to changing labour-market data even though the Great Depression made alterations necessary already in 1930.

After several subsequent reuses, the Federal Employment Agency bought the building back in 2025. In 2027, on the occasion of the centennial of unemployment insurance, it will reopen as and events and conference centre for the challenges of “Modern Labour” in the twenty-first century.

Opening:
28 Mar 2026, 11 am in the Bauhaus Building

First guided tour:
29 Mar 2026, 2 pm
(starting at the historical Employment Office)