Manierismo Critico – A Film about Trix and Robert Haussmann

Trix and Robert Haussmann have worked together since the 1970s and, without ever submitting too closely to established conventions, became an important part of Switzerland’s long history of design and architecture. Their work challenges, deceives and surprises the senses, humorously overcoming dogmas within architectural and design discourse. This short film attempts to translate the essence of their work into the digital realm. A central element of Trix and Robert Haussmann’s design theory and practice—and the source of the film’s title—is “Manierismo Critico”, which reinterprets the devices of historical Mannerism. Material transformations that make wooden mosaics appear like textiles, or a playful handling of scale and form that shrinks an archway into a desk, are key examples of their often unconventional yet always rigorous engagement with design principles. In an act of creative liberation, Trix and Robert Haussmann recast the famous and influential dictum of modern architecture, “form follows function”, as “function follows form”. This simple shift in perspective multiplies the possible readings and uses of their models, objects and furniture. In the spirit of their critical Mannerism, the film searches for new virtual means of expression for the pair’s designs. Following the idea of function following form, the short film itself can therefore be read as documentation, an autonomous work and a skilful game of ambiguity between reality and simulation.