Mies van der Rohe’s vision of industrial modernism helped define the look of postwar urban America. His signature materials and minimalist ethos have become synonymous with modern design.
The Architect’s Background
Born in Germany in 1886, Mies relocated to Chicago in 1937, where he lived and worked until his death in 1969. He is remembered as a singular leader of modern architecture in his obituary.
Designing the “Barcelona” Furniture Line
The “Barcelona” chair, first shown at the 1929 International Exposition, was designed in collaboration with Lilly Reich. The chair featured only white pigskin and a chrome plated frame that had to be bolted together. In 1948, Knoll acquired the rights to produce the Barcelona designs, and helped to reengineer the apparatus, forming the swooping “X” shape chassis upon which the squared-off cushions sit.
- The Barcelona chair is available in various leathers, with polished chrome frames.
- The footstool and daybed, which are part of the same collection, feature a similar cantilevered structure.
- The chair is a bestseller, and its original form has become a part of visual culture.
The “Barcelona” range has been in production for nearly eighty years, and it’s not cheap: base models start at nearly $8,000.
“The chair in particular has become such a part of visual culture, people are surprised to learn that its original form was developed almost 100 years ago.” — Amy Auscherman, MillerKnoll’s head of archives and brand heritage
Auscherman described the Barcelona chair as “an almost anonymous design,” given its widespread use in homes, offices, and corporate spaces.
The Architect’s Signature Style
Mies’s work is characterized by a clear aesthetic signature, informed by a broad swath of 20th century influences. His work is clean, linear, but with a human touch — flourishes of imagination, where permitted, and always with restraint.
- Germany’s progressive Bauhaus school
- Western Europe’s International Style movement
- A human touch, with a focus on functionality
Mies’s legacy is a testament to his attention to detail and his commitment to modern design.
The Enduring Legacy
Mies’s footprint remains pervasive today, with his designs continuing to inspire new generations. His philosophy of “less is more” has become a guiding principle in modern design. The Barcelona collection offers conceptual, formal and functional clarity, said Jonathan Olivares, senior vice president of design at Knoll. “The Barcelona collection is a bestseller,” added Auscherman. “It’s a testament to Mies’s enduring legacy.”
The Barcelona chair has become an iconic symbol of modern design, and its influence can be seen in many aspects of contemporary design.
Conclusion
Mies van der Rohe’s legacy is a lasting one, and his designs continue to inspire and influence new generations. His philosophy of “less is more” remains a guiding principle in modern design, and his attention to detail and commitment to modernism have left a lasting impact on the world of architecture and design.
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