In 1886, the German Modernist architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe also known by his name as ‘Mies van der Rohe’ pioneered the functional designs in building construction based on utilitarian purposes such as creating new spaces for modern lifestyles. One of his notable projects such as 860-880 Lake Shore Apartments (1949) and the Riehl House (1907) both had endured the advent of modernism and still functional and widely regarded as the relics of the past even in the post-modernism. The drastic changes brought by the Bauhaus Movement of the 20th century, the building style shifted from opulent homes to simplified utilitarian edifices that focus more on addressing the needs of the modern lifestyle rather than aesthetic purposes. One of the influences of the Bauhaus movement is evident in his architectures. Unlike the previous architects of the late 19th century, the style of Rohe successfully combines abstract and rationality which enabled him to design buildings that utilize materials such as glass, steel, and concrete where in fact the previous architects in the past only relied on the concrete and decorations to make their architecture look pleasing. What Rohe emphasizes on his designs is the simplicity of the structure that makes it worthwhile and timeless, a functional design and structure that will not be cast out with the advent of the future eras. In this respect, Rohe paved the way for the modernist-minimalist styles in architecture that relied mostly on mathematical calculations yet, the simple designs he created also had an aesthetic purposes; wide windows permeate the air and natural lighting while the tall skyscraper design allows the utilization of small spaces in highly urbanized areas. As a professor of architecture, he taught the importance of creating functional spaces that interact with the tenants that live in the building. Furthermore, his designs revolutionized the way people perceived architecture, his styles rejected the excess as noted on the buildings associated with upper classes and the wealthy, but rather he created buildings that can shelter both classes of people regardless of age, race, and other categories. The “Less is More” notion of design successfully transcends various times and groups of people. In 1966, the old architecture was diagnosed with esophagus cancer and died after three years in Chicago, Illinois. (Mies van der Rohe Society, “Legacy”).
WORKS CITED
“Legacy.” Mies van der Rohe Society. Mies van der Rohe Society, 2012. Web. 9 May 2016.
