Mies in America

by Phyllis Lambert

This study of one of the 20th century's greatest architects re-evaluates the entire body of work undertaken by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe between his emigration to America in 1938 and his death in 1969. Based on considerable new research and bringing to light previously unstudied material - drawings and collages, photographs, project documents, letters, and extensive interviews with many of those who worked with Mies - this is the first study to make full and in-depth use of available archival material. Its nine essays, distinct in style of argumentation, focus, and ambition, constitute a new interpretation of a major figure in architectural history.

Genres: Architecture

584 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2001

About the author

Phyllis Lambert is a licensed architect, studying under Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 1979 she founded the Canadian Center for Architecture in Montreal. She has contributed essays to numerous books and is the subject of the 2007 documentary film Citizen Lambert: Joan of Architecture. She lives in Montreal in a historic building with two bouviers des Flandres.

Her father, Samuel Bronfman, founded the Seagram distilling empire.

Reviews

[Topaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference book covering the most important and significant period of Mies' career. It is a compilation of several essays with many photographs and illustrations. The corresponding book of his early career, Mies in Berlin, is also worth reading, but this one is much more insightful and covers a much more interesting part of his career. Between the 2 books, you should have all of Mies' projects covered. However, for the hardcore enthusiast, there are several other books that go into greater detail, have more photos, or are more coffee table-style books that may interest you.