Mies in Berlin

by Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani, Barry Bergdoll, Rosemarie Haag Bletter

This in-depth look at Mies van der Rohe's early career is the first to examine the architect's work in Europe in terms of specific historical and cultural context, rather than the more abstract and formal arguments of the International Style. While earlier studies have described a fundamental break between Mies's neo-classical work prior to 1919 and the more avant-garde work of the 1920s, recent research demonstrates that the transformation was much more gradual. Here 11 scholars and architectural historians explore particular aspects of Mies's work, together shedding new light on the continual interplay of tradition and innovation, nature and abstraction, in the evolution of his design theories and methods. With a wealth of photographs and drawings, many not previously published, this book conveys for the first time the dynamic intellectual ferment of this formative period in the life of one of architecture's towering figures. Published to accompany a groundbreaking 2001 exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Genres: Architecture

392 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Topaz]

This book is not a monograph/coffee table book, but is also not a detailed analysis/critique of Mies' work. I am generally not very excited about books that are published by museums to coincide with an exhibit as they are usually lower-budget coffee table books with very little informative content. This one is somewhat of an exception but it still not a must-buy for fans of Mies.

The first third of the book contains 4 longer essays, each offering a different analysis of an aspect of Mies' work. None are a through, chronological, or overview of his work but rather focus on a more detailed aspect. They are incitement but sometimes become hard to read. They contain some images but also reference the color plates which is the 2nd section of the book.

The color plates sections covers all the built and un-built works in Germany and each project has a brief description offering some details of the project.

The last section is a collection of more, shorter essays about Mies' work, also each focusing on a very specific/obscure aspect of his work. These seem to be much shorter, and perhaps less informative/insightful.

There are other books with better photos, a more detailed chronology/monograph, and more informative text than this.

The book itself is a medium sized book that seems to be of higher quality, no complaints here. I would recommend the hardcover edition. I believe it is out of print now and the prices for the used ones seem high relative to the content. I would not pay more than $30-40 for a used copy.

[Jesus]

"One's effortless glide through its interwoven complex of rooms, terraces, passages, and alcoves--rich and larger than life--sharpens the senses and expands the horizon of experience. Awareness is heightened to the point of expectancy. A space without hierarchy, center, or narrative, it is a labryinth in which to search and discover, to wander and wonder and be struck with wonder. Both sacred and profane, this is a house of the gods that mortals can enter and experience--rich yet poor, full yet empty, austere yet magical, a space of transformation." -page 132