Vol. 13, No. 2, Christophera Ratnasari Lucius et al.

This article proves how the practical implementation of the Gesamtkunstwerk idea in design objects in Indonesia can provide sociopolitical value. The framework of Gesamtkunstwerk in this study is contained in two design projects: the architecture of the Indonesian Legislative Building Complex by Soejoedi Wirjoatmodjo and the design of museum objects in the Electricity and New Energy Museum by Widagdo. The literature review leads to two perspectives of Gesamtkunstwerk—the ideas of Wilhelm Richard Wagner and those of the Bauhaus School—with both implemented together in a design object. Data were collected in April and July 2022 through field observations, supported by interviews. The data were analyzed through both perspectives based on the idea of Gesamtkunstwerk. The results showed that the idea of Gesamtkunstwerk was successfully implemented in the two design projects. The first project aimed to represent the noble values of Indonesia and demonstrate the nation’s proficiency in modern technology, while the second aimed to incorporate interdisciplinary knowledge in the presentation of museum objects, creating a shared experience for visitors. In conclusion, the simultaneous implementation of both Gesamtkunstwerk perspectives—Wagner’s and the Bauhaus—allowed for a surprising amount of meaning in design objects.

Keywords: Bauhaus idea, Gesamtkunstwerk, Wilhelm Richard Wagner, Soejoedi Wirjoatmodjo, Indonesian Legislative Building Complex, Widagdo, Electricity and New Energy Museum