Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

It takes work and talent to create minimalist designs that stand the test of time. One designer capable of such work was German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Now widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern architecture, he began his career as an apprentice in Peter Brehren’s studio, working alongside esteemed modernists Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier. After World War 1, he began experimenting with styles of design that were suitable for the industrial age that the world was embracing.

He is most widely known for the design of the German Pavilion for the Barcelona International Exposition in 1929, using simple forms and extravagant materials. It was supposed to reflect the face of the new Germany after the war, culturally progressive, prospering and thoroughly pacifist. The use of space was meant to invite the weary visitors and blurred the distinction between inside and outside space. Unfortunately, since it was never meant to be a permanent installation, it was torn down less than a year later. However, thanks to Copies of the original plans and photographs, a group of Spanish architects have reconstructed it more permanently between 1983 and 1986. It now stands as a testament to the ingenuity and talent of a great modernist designer, always welcoming.