Mies Van Der Rohe

Taschen Basic Architecture

by Claire Zimmerman

Less is Finding perfection in purity Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) was one of the founding fathers of modern architecture. The creator of the Barcelona Pavilion (1929), the Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois (1945–1951) and the Seagram Building in New York (1954–1958), Mies was one of the founders of a new architectural style. Well known for his motto "less is more," he sought a kind of refined purity in architectural expression that was not seen in the reduced vocabulary of other Bauhaus members. His goal was not simply building for those of modest income but building economically in terms of sustainability, both in a technical and aesthetical way; the use of industrial materials such as steel and glass were the foundation of this approach. Though the extreme reduction of form and material in his work garnered some criticism, over the years many have tried—mostly unsuccessfully—to copy his original and elegant style.

This book explores more than 20 of his projects between 1906 and 1967, from his early work around Berlin to his most important American buildings. About the
Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Architecture Series

Genres: Architecture, Design, Art, Nonfiction, Collections

96 pages, Paperback

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.

[Ella C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Das Buch hat mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen (vielleicht auch, weil ich auch Mies sehr faszinierend finde). Ich finde seine Werke unfassbar beeindruckend und hatte beim lesen auch sehr das Gefühl, dass sich irgendwie sein Wesen durch seine Werke wiederspiegelt und ich ihn dadurch gut nachvollziehen kann.
Dennoch hätte ich mir vielleicht mehr Einblick in sein Wesen und in seine Gedanken hinter seines Schaffens gewünscht, wobei ich aber nicht sicher bin ob man so viel „persönliches“ so richtig weiß.

[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.