The Architect Who Thought Less Was More

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🗞️ The Story

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer in modernist architecture, crafted a diverse portfolio from sleek steel furniture to iconic office skyscrapers, shaping generations of architects worldwide. His creations epitomize his belief in "less is more" and the significance of intricate details, embodying a balance between minimalism and a deep appreciation for rich materials and textures.

Despite lacking formal architectural education, Mies is credited with iconic buildings, making him one of the most inspiring architects of the 20th century.

Farnsworth House, 1951

The Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, stands as one of Mies' most notable works, constructed between 1945 and 1951 as a weekend retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth. It embodies van der Rohe’s commitment to blending human structures with natural surroundings and is celebrated as an iconic masterpiece of the International Style.

The Barcelona Pavilion, 1929

Built for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, this building aimed to embody the progressive spirit of the Weimar Republic with its modern and innovative architecture. The Barcelona Pavilion famously showcased Mies' iconic Barcelona chair for Knoll and served as a groundbreaking introduction of the new modern movement in architecture to the global stage.

Villa Tugendhat, 1930

An early example of functionalism in architecture, Villa Tugendhat is a prime illustration of Mies van der Rohe's design principle of "less is more." Noteworthy for its architectural purity, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, use of high-quality materials, and exceptional preservation, Villa Tugendhat was rightfully included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.

McCormick House, 1952

As Mies van der Rohe’s adopted city, Chicago and its surrounding area are home to more of the Modernist architect’s projects than anywhere else in the world. Surprisingly, the McCormick House in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst remains relatively lesser-known in his body of work. , despite being one of only three single-family homes designed by Mies in the United States.

Morris Greenwald House, 1963

Located in Weston, Connecticut, The Morris Greenwald House is one of only three single-family houses built in USA by Mies van der Rohe. Located on a 5.5-acre site, the single-story pavilion is an elegant composition of metal and glass. Morris Greenwald was the brother of Herbert Greenwald, the Chicago real estate developer and patron of numerous Mies-designed buildings.

Bacardi Office, 1961

The Bacardi rum company sought to rejuvenate its brand image and approached Mies to design their office building in Mexico. The outcome was a structure embodying the architect’s hallmark concept of an open floor plan and fluid space. This building remains a significant example of corporate modern architecture even today.

🌐 Around The Web

The Vault: If you're interested in delving deeper into the work and inspirations of Mies Van der Rohe, I highly recommend exploring this coffee-table book: "Mies Van Der Rohe: 1886-1969: The Structure of Space. (link)^*

Collaboration Alert: French luxury house Christofle has unveiled a special edition of its iconic “Mood” dining collection, this time in collaboration with the major tennis tournament Roland-Garros. (link)

Design city trip: Milan Design Week is just around the corner. From must-see installations and pop up events to talks and exhibitions, get ready for the world's largest design event with this extensive guide. (link)

^*This is an affiliate link.

🏡 Buy It For The Architecture