W4a2-modernism - Assignment Example

dings constructed during the modernism period were designed to accommodate modern architectural elements including little ornamentation, factory made parts, man-made materials such as metal and concrete. Mies believed that for one to be successfully fulfilled, he or she should co-exist with the culture if his or her time. Emphasis was also put on the purpose of the building being built. Mies designed a simple house that served as a weekend retreat and also intended to create a space whereby life would unfold freely and interdependently with the nature.

Mies acted as both the architect and the general contractor (Mies van der Rohe Society). Philip Johnson designed the Glass house in 1949 as a residential house. He was the owner of the building that he built on a dairy farm land he bought in Connecticut. The Glass house is similar to Mies Farnsworth house with only a few differences. He was inspired byMies design of the Farnsworth. Johnson designed the building taking maximum economization and transparency into consideration. The design of the building also employed the modern architectural elements including little ornamentation, factory made parts, man-made materials such as metal and concrete just as Mies design of the Farnsworth.

The building has with two parallel planes suspended between the earth and the sky by eight w-shaped steel columns. The design seems simple, but it incorporates a thorough attention to detail. Since, in the design, the floor and the roof of the building were suspended, strong steel structures and high grade concrete were necessary for its construction. Precast concrete slabs formed the roof and the floor and steel frame construction supported the uninterrupted floor and roof planes. The steel frames were accurately welded to minimize their visibility.

In the interior, Mies incorporated a continuous curtain rack that allowed for the occupants defined privacy. Mies used an extensive clear glass than span from the floor to the ceiling to