Mies van der Rohe (Architect)
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a German architect, born in 1886 and active from 1920's to the 1960's. He died in 1969.
He created buildings and skyscrapers for Berlin (where there is a continental climate) that became the modernist style and have been called, by William McDonough (an American architect), when transferred to America 'vertical gas chambers' because of their lack of opening windows for ventilation, and their all-glass facade which would overheat on most days, especially in the summer causing discomfort and thermal stress for their occupants.
He had a number of well-known sayings which have been frequently misinterpreted as "less is more", so all you get is a roof, floor, and glass walls around the outside. The more is the aesthetic or emotional response with many people appreciating this look. He said "God lies in the details" to mean that you must work to get the details right (to give the best look or aesthetic emotional response), and in so doing seeking and finding God.
He spent a lot of time designing the Barcelona chair that is used in many waiting rooms and movies, even to the extent of going back in his 60's and trying to improve it, saying it was the hardest thing he had designed in his life. The author assumes this is because we use a chair differently to how we use buildings, and at different times need much more of a chair and others much less.
His notable buildings include:
- Seagram building (shown below, a skyscraper, that many others copied)
- Farnsworth house, for Dr Farnsworth, who insisted on walls between the bedroom and kitchen.
He moved to Chicago in the late-1930s and drew upon the International Style for some of his most celebrated modernist works. The AMA Plaza (formerly the IBM Plaza), was his last building and exemplifies his trademark minimalist aesthetic.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.