Mies van der Rohe 1886-1969 : La structure de l'espace by Claire Zimmerman

Taschen Basic Architecture

by Claire Zimmerman

Famed for his motto “less is more,” Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) was one of the founding fathers of modern architecture and a hotly-debated tastemaker of twentieth-century aesthetics and urban experience. Mies van der Rohe’s philosophy was one of underlying truth in pure forms and proportions. With the help of contemporary technological and material developments, he sought a stripped-down purity to architecture, showcased by the likes of the Seagram Building and Farnsworth House. Some spoke out against this stark approach as the precursor to bland, generic cityscapes. Others cite Mies van der Rohe as the ultimate master of an abidingly elegant essence. This book presents more than 20 of Mies van der Rohe’s projects from the period 1906–1967 to introduce his groundbreaking practise and influence in both America and Europe. About the series Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Architecture series an introduction to the life and work of the architect the major works in chronological order information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts, and plans)

Genres: Architecture, Design, Art, Nonfiction, Collections

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful overview of one of the world's greatest architects.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of Mies' most important works, and well illustrated, especially when it comes to his later work. However, it has one major flaw which is all too common in art books: the sentences are often too long and not well structured. Some sentences feel inflated, while the same could have been said in a more concise way, which would improve readability. Of course, I could also just be too dumb for this book.

[Miroslav Pavelek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book about Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the architect behind Villa Tugendhat. I have learnt about some ideas behind his work and got some tips for trips :)

[Raina Anjari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never realized the deep philosophical and religious approach he took to develop his ideas, but that's how all revolutions occur. There was deep concerted effort on his part to apply strong philosophical principles he was influenced by. But you have to read it to find out. "As a man thinks, so is he."

[João · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book gave me quite a clear picture of where Mies came from, how he evolved and what his main architectural questions were. It also made clear why his work was innovative and which of his innovations are still visible today.

[Martin Svec · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a beautiful and fascinating book, particularly because it focuses on the beautiful and fascinating buildings of a fascinating architect. However, it is an average book about MVDR. In terms of content, I find it too specialized for those merely interested in MVDR’s work but too superficial for true enthusiasts of MVDR.

[Hardus Scheepers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but sweet.

[Antonio Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un gran libro para conocer la vida y obra de este arquitecto. Lectura recomendada para cualquier arquitecto.

[A.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡

[Bert Huisman]

10

[ilaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

less is more

[Chloe Glynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gracious, simple, well-proportioned, and expensive, the architecture of Mies van der Rohe harkens to a different era but a timeless idea. To know that this draftsman was first a craftsman, working and holding the stone of his creations, it makes sense that "completeness" is captured in the many pages of this book.

[Rob Curry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book to learn more about Mies Van Der Rohe which the book did accomplish. My disappointment is in the lack on mentioning anything about his famed Barcelona Chair & Barcelona Couch that was designed in 1929. I kept looking for it, flipping through pages thinking I missed it, but nope. Overall it’s a quick, solid read.

[Alberto Segovia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book to introduce the thinking of Mies to the architect enthusiast. Great introductory essay. Great explanations of the selected projects. I had wished more priority for as well as more illustrations for certain projects.

[Vanlilith]

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[Angela Garza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente sitesis de la vida y obra de Mies.