Walter Gropius was a German architect and founder of the Bauhaus school of design. Synonyms for Gropius include pioneer, innovator, visionary, and architectural mastermind. Gropius is best known for his functionalist approach to architecture, where he prioritized the function of a building over its aesthetic value. He was also an accomplished educator, having taught at several universities and institutes around the world. His style of architecture has been described as modernist, minimalistic, and industrial. Gropius' influence on the field of architecture and design can still be seen today, as many of his ideas and principles have been adopted by contemporary architects.