Mies van der Rohe
The master of modernist architecture
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a towering figure in the world of architecture, left an indelible mark on the built environment of the 20th century. His philosophy of
less is more
continues to influence architects and designers worldwide. Let’s delve into his life, his impact on architecture and design, and his enduring legacy.
Early life and career
Born as Maria Ludwig Michael Mies on March 27, 1886, in Aachen, Germany. Mies grew up in a family that worked in the stone masonry business. His early exposure to materials and craftsmanship profoundly influenced his understanding of architecture. Despite never receiving formal architectural training, Mies’s talent was undeniable. His first significant opportunity came when he worked for Bruno Paul, a furniture designer, and later for the renowned architect Peter Behrens. It was during this period that Mies developed his distinctive approach to modern architecture, which emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the use of industrial materials like glass and steel.
Mies adopted the surname “van der Rohe” to give his name a more aristocratic flair, blending his father’s and mother’s surnames with a self-invented “van der.” Furthermore this decision marked a turning point in his career, signaling his ambition and his desire to distinguish himself in the architectural world.
Impact on architecture
Mies van der Rohe’s impact on architecture is profound and far-reaching. He is often credited with shaping the International Style, a movement characterized by the use of modern materials, minimalism, and a lack of ornamentation. His designs, such as the Barcelona Pavilion (1929) and the Seagram Building (1958), are iconic examples of this style.
Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.
The Barcelona Pavilion, designed for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, is one of Mies’s most celebrated works. It exemplifies his use of open space, clean lines, and luxurious materials like marble, onyx, and travertine. The pavilion’s design was groundbreaking for its time, combining modernist principles with a sense of opulence and simplicity.
Mies’s work on high-rise buildings also revolutionized urban architecture. His use of steel frames and glass facades in projects like the 860–880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments in Chicago set a new standard for skyscraper design. These buildings featured open floor plans and a façade of repetitive glass and steel patterns, creating a visually striking yet functional living space. His work emphasized the idea that the structure itself should be visible, a concept that became a cornerstone of modern architecture.
Mies’s approach to architecture was not just about aesthetics but also about creating spaces that were functional and adaptable. His designs often featured column-free interiors, allowing for flexible use of space, as seen in his masterpiece, S.R. Crown Hall at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). This building, which houses the architecture school, is a testament to Mies’s ability to combine form and function seamlessly.
Impact on interior and furniture design
Beyond architecture, Mies van der Rohe also made significant contributions to interior and furniture design. His furniture pieces, like the Barcelona Chair and the Brno Chair, are considered masterpieces of modern design. These pieces reflect the same principles found in his architecture: simplicity, elegance, and the use of high-quality materials.
The Barcelona Chair, designed in collaboration with Lilly Reich for the German Pavilion in Barcelona, is perhaps his most famous furniture design. The chair’s sleek lines and luxurious materials made it an instant icon. It exemplifies Mies’s belief that furniture should be an integral part of the architectural environment, not just an afterthought. The Brno Chair, designed for the Villa Tugendhat in Brno, Czech Republic, is another example of his ability to create furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Mies’s approach to interior design was minimalist, focusing on creating spaces that were open, uncluttered, and filled with natural light. He believed that the interior of a building should reflect the simplicity and elegance of its exterior. A philosophy that continues to influence modern interior design.
Mies van der Rohe legacy and today’s impact
Mies van der Rohe’s influence extends far beyond the buildings he designed. His work has inspired generations of architects and designers who continue to draw on his principles of simplicity, functionality, and the honest use of materials. His teachings at the Bauhaus and later at IIT shaped the future of architectural education, embedding modernist ideals into the curriculum.
Today, Mies’s legacy is visible in the countless buildings around the world that echo his design philosophy. The continued popularity of his furniture designs, which are still in production, speaks to their timeless appeal. Architects and designers today still reference his ideas when creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
A lesser-known aspect of Mies’s legacy is his work in urban planning. Projects like Lafayette Park in Detroit demonstrate his ability to design cohesive urban environments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This project, completed in the 1960s, remains a model for modern urban design.
Unique Aspects of Mies van der Rohe’s Life
Despite his public persona as a master architect, Mies van der Rohe’s private life was filled with complexities. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his relentless pursuit of perfection, traits that sometimes made him a demanding figure to work with. However, this dedication to his craft also led to some of his most enduring works.
God is in the details
One unique aspect of Mies’s life was his close collaboration with Lilly Reich, a designer who worked with him on several key projects, including the Barcelona Pavilion. Their professional and personal relationship was deeply influential in shaping Mies’s approach to both architecture and furniture design.
Another intriguing fact about Mies van der Rohe is that he never received formal architectural training. His success was built on his natural talent, his early experiences in his father’s stone-cutting business, and his time working with influential figures like Peter Behrens. This lack of formal education did not hinder him; instead, it allowed him to develop a unique vision that set him apart from his contemporaries.
Mies also had a complex relationship with the political climate of his time. As the last director of the Bauhaus, he faced immense pressure from the Nazi regime, which ultimately led to the school’s closure in 1933. This experience, coupled with the rising political tensions in Germany, prompted Mies to emigrate to the United States, where he continued his work and left a lasting impact on American architecture.
I don’t want to be interesting. I want to be good.
All in all
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s life and work have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and design. His commitment to simplicity, functionality, and the honest use of materials has influenced countless architects and designers. His buildings, furniture, and design philosophy continue to inspire and challenge us to think critically about the spaces we inhabit.
Mies’s legacy is one of innovation, precision, and an unwavering belief in the power of architecture to shape the human experience. As we continue to build and design in the 21st century, the lessons of Mies van der Rohe remain as relevant as ever.
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