Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
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Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Germany • 1886 - 1969

Biography

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is a German architect and designer, born in 1886 and passed away in 1969. He worked in his family's business of stone carving, before working in various architects' and designers' officers. He mostly worked for Peter Behrens from 1908 till 1912, who inspired him to develop his skills in design, mostly influenced by Prussian classicism. His innovative creations combine glass and steel.

While working as an architect and designer, Mies contributed a lot to architectural philosophies during late 1920's, and got involved in the Bauhaus movement. During the 30's, he was the director of the Bauhaus art school in Dessau and Berlin, before exiling to USA due to the rise of Nazism in 1938. He was already acknowledged in the USA, due to his former job as the director of Bauhaus and his talents as an architect. In his architectural creations like "Less is more", the exterior space is considered as an extension of the inner space. His creations gradually became more refined, and headed toward more simplified architecture.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe gave importance to his creations but also contributed to the architecture department of Chicago's Armour Institute of Technology (later known as Illinois Institute of Technology or IIT). He decided to reorganize the campus. Some of his famous creations are still represented on campus, such as in the headquarters of the architecture school.

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Design, Fauteuil Barcelona, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Fauteuil Barcelona

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Design - 76 x 76 x 76 cm Design - 29.9 x 29.9 x 29.9 inch

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What is Mies van der Rohe famous for saying?

Mies van der Rohe is famous for saying "Less is more," reflecting his minimalist approach to architecture. He also coined the phrase "God is in the details," emphasizing precision and simplicity in design.

What are the principles of Mies van der Rohe?

Mies van der Rohe's principles include “less is more," emphasizing minimalism, clarity, and open spaces. He valued structural honesty, functionalism, and the use of modern materials like steel and glass to create harmony between form and function.

Is Mies van der Rohe Bauhaus?

Mies van der Rohe was the last director of the Bauhaus from 1930 to 1933. While not a founder, his architectural vision greatly influenced the school's modernist direction.

Which architect designed the Farnsworth House, a one-room weekend house?

The Farnsworth House was designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This iconic weekend house, built between 1945 and 1951, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture.