The Bauhaus is characterized not by function and use, but by symbolism. Whether square, triangle, or circle, whether Wagenfeld lamp, Schlemmer head, or white cubes with flat roofs: the Bauhaus has created iconic visual signs and a style that is neither functional nor social, but visually striking. Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius aimed from the beginning to develop the Bauhaus into a brand – successfully. Whether in consumption, politics, or culture: more than eighty years after its closure, the Bauhaus is more present than ever. It has now become a participatory brand that can no longer be centrally controlled, with countless producers and consumers contributing to it. However, the original promise of functionality and social responsibility remains unfulfilled. The book by Philipp Oswalt, former director of the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, explores this prominent branding and usage through numerous visual examples and substantial texts.