Faltungsstil

Faltungsstil, also known as folded style, is a term used in art history and architecture to describe a particular aesthetic characterized by the appearance of layers, folds, or pleats. This visual effect can be achieved through various means, including the manipulation of materials, the arrangement of forms, or the use of light and shadow. In sculpture, Faltungsstil might manifest as drapery rendered with deep, undulating folds that suggest movement and volume. In architecture, it can refer to buildings with façades that appear to be folded or layered, creating dynamic surfaces and a sense of depth. This style often evokes a sense of organic growth or natural phenomena, such as the way fabric drapes or rock formations erode. The precise origin of the term is not definitively established, but it is frequently applied to works from periods where such techniques were prominent, including certain examples of Hellenistic sculpture and later Art Nouveau architecture. The emphasis in Faltungsstil is on the interplay of surfaces and the creation of a visually complex and textured aesthetic through the suggestion of folded or layered elements.