Reading Response 13: The Design is in the Details

The German Pavillion at the International Expo in Barcelona (1929) was designed by German architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Mies was commissioned to build the pavillion to highlight German architectural innovation. The building itself is not particularly innovative but Mies's "less is more" philosophy is demonstrated in a masterful manifestation of precision and intricately artful simplicity.

 With the exception of a statue in a shallow pool, the space is void of added decoration. The design of the pavillion was in the details and highlighted the richness of materials, such as onyx, Tinian marble, and stainless steel.

The pavillion was designed as an open structure, both to the outside and within. The functionality of the space was ambiguous, and thus could be multifunctional. Mies artfully demostrated his meticulous eye for detail and the precision of his design in the materials he chose and the craft with which the structure was assembled.

Mies designed the, now iconic, Barcelona Chair specifically for the German Pavillion in Barcelona. The chair embodies the modern aesthetic of functionality and considers comfort as part of its function. The chair is made from a stainless steel frame. The legs of the frame create a curved x that extend to support the back of the chair and the seats are box cushions that are upholstered in rich leather. The chairs echo the "less is more" ideal, simplicity, and precision of the pavillion in which they were housed.

 

The German Pavillion, and Barcelona Chair, both designed in 1929, seem so contemporary in design and scope of functionality that it is hard to imagine them coming out of the early 20th century. Architects and designers have emulated Mies's work so much that open spaces, both in residential and commercial, have become the expected norm in contemporary American architecture.












:http://www.ecomanta.com/2011/02/fashion-week-1929-barcelona-pavilion-by.html

http://www.barcelona-life.net/2010/03/06/mies-barcelona-pavilion/

:http://www.greenarchitecture.com.au/pavillion.php

:http://www.arkitectrue.com/architecture-%e2%80%93-spanish-style-4/

http://kitors.com/barcelona-pavilion-g6.htm

:http://daraparker.com/2011/01/12/barcelona-chairs-please-dont-sit/

http://modular4kc.com/2011/06/24/design-friday-ludwig-mies-van-der-rohes-barcelona-chair/