Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) was a German architect and designer, and one of the most influential figures of the modernist movement. Considered a pioneer of modern architecture, Mies van der Rohe sought to create buildings that expressed purity and simplicity of form while emphasizing the use of new materials and technologies.

Born in Aachen, Germany, Mies studied architecture and worked in the offices of renowned architects such as Peter Behrens. In the 1920s, he became a key member of the Bauhaus movement, an art and design school that revolutionized architecture and design by promoting a functional and simplified approach. Mies adopted the principle “less is more,” which encapsulated his philosophy of designing clean, uncluttered spaces that maximized spatial efficiency.

Among his most famous achievements is the German Pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, a masterpiece of modernist architecture characterized by the use of materials such as glass, steel, and marble. This pavilion had a major influence on modern architecture, particularly with its open and transparent structure, which contrasted sharply with the massive and imposing buildings of the time.

Mies van der Rohe also designed several iconic buildings, including the Seagram Building in New York, a glass and steel tower that redefined modern skyscraper architecture. His use of open spaces, clean lines, and industrial materials like steel and glass laid the foundations of modern architecture, influencing generations of architects and designers.

Mies van der Rohe’s minimalist approach also extended to his furniture design, with emblematic pieces such as the Barcelona chair, which has become a classic of modern design. His work had a considerable impact on contemporary architecture, and his legacy endures today through his projects and his profound influence on modern design and architecture.