The name "Dessau" is known to every student of modern architecture. In 1925-26 architect Walter Gropius set up his highly influential Bauhaus school of design here. Gropius hoped to replace the dark and inhumane tenement architecture of the 1800s with standardized yet spacious and bright apartments. His ideas and methods were used in building 316 villas in the city's Törten section in the 1920s. 2009 is international Bauhaus year, so look for special events at any place associated with Bauhaus.