Mies van der Rohe: history and works
- Photography: Knoll and Four Seasons.
It is very likely that his name is familiar to you and that you have even enjoyed some of his creations. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was an American architect of German origin. He is considered a pioneer of modern architecture.
His designs exemplify the famous ‘less is more’ principle and demonstrate his direct use of the most modern materials, such as industrial steel and plate glass, his exceptional sense of proportion and his extreme concern for detail. He called his buildings ‘skin and bones architecture’. He sought an objective approach to guide the creative process of architectural design. He created a modern 20th century architectural style, embellished with clarity and simplicity.
The spirit of the modern era can be seen in all his projects, both architectural and furniture design. The style that predominates in his creations is the international style based on rectilinear forms, elaborated with elegant simplicity.
Among Mies van der Rohe’ s most famous projects is the MR chair with steel structure, which is available in different finishes such as rattan or cowhide. The MR chair is part of the MR Collection, with forms derived from the modern iron rocking chairs of the 19th century. The MR chair has been in production for more than 80 years, making it one of the most famous design classics.
Another of the chairs that has marked the work of the famous German architect was the Barcelona chair, designed for the German pavilion at the International Exhibition in Barcelona in 1929. Its elegant form makes it worthy of any exhibition hall. Mies Van der Rohe formally granted the production rights for this chair in 1953 to Knoll. It is a folding and collapsible scissor chair that combines traditional and modern elements, which makes it never go out of fashion. Having one at home is a plus for the decoration of an avant-garde home.
The Barcelona Couch also shares the simple elegance of Mies’ design furniture. It is a divan that over time has become a ‘must’ for any living room. The design is so distinctive that you’re sure to have sat on one of these couches at some point.
The same is true of the MR chair. The MR Collection represents some of
When reviewing Mies van der Rohe’s most important projects , the Four Seasons Barstool should not be forgotten either. Created in 1958 for the Four Seasons restaurant in the Seagram Building in New York, this design is believed to be a collaborative effort between Mies van der Rohe, who designed the building, and Phillip Johnson, who designed the restaurant. The cantilevered chrome frame, slim profile and meticulous craftsmanship complement van der Rohe’s Flat Brno Chair, which was specified throughout the restaurant. In 2006, Knoll took the design into mass production for the first time.
Discover also other ideas to decorate your attic with style in our website ÁBATON.