For my collections project, I made my choices based off of my appreciation for the aesthetic values of the pieces. For either their minimalism or their maximalism, something about the works appeals to my sensibilities.
The Farnsworth was the first piece I wrote about extensively. After visiting the historic property several years ago, I have been captivated by its remarkable simplicity. The serenity of its setting in tandem with the exquisite design have kept my mind dwelling on Dr. Farnsworth’s countryside dwelling. Everything in the house is reduced to its simplest form. No line exists without purpose. No line is over exaggerated. No single element is inherently noteworthy; however, like a symphony, when all the components come together, …show more content…
A clear understanding of the work makes the enjoyment of them all the better. In going the extra mile, I learned to respect them even more and hold up the genius minds of their creators.
Formal Analysis:
Deceivingly simple, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s residential magnum opus Farnsworth House is nothing short of a stroke of architectural genius and quite possibly the greatest work of his illustrious career. Designed and constructed between 1945 and 1951, the house was intended to be a weekend countryside getaway for his wealthy client, Dr. Edith Farnsworth. The house was built on a large rural property on the Fox River about 60 miles from downtown Chicago.
The exterior of the house stands in firm contrast to its lush surrounding vegetation. The stark white lines of the minimalistic design manage to somehow stand out all while remaining remarkably organic.
The physical form of the Farnsworth House is quite simple even by Mies van der Rohe’s standards. It consists of two horizontal planes with the lower one raised several feet off of the ground and the second at an appropriate ceiling height above the first. The house is held above the ground by four columns on each side that run from the top of the roof into the ground …show more content…
Farnsworth spent the weekends in her glass house for another twenty years until, in the 1970’s, a bridge and road were completed nearby making for a considerably less tranquil setting (Michael). In 1972, the house was put up for sale by Dr. Farnsworth and purchased by Peter Palumbo, better known as Lord Palumbo. Lord Palumbo was a well-known British art patron who pounced on the opportunity to purchase the architecturally significant estate (Vogel). Dr. Farnsworth’s estate would continue to serve as a private residence for another 30 years until it was purchased by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2003 (Michael). The trust paid $7.5 million dollars, restored the house to be as original as possible and opened it to the public for
The Farnsworth was the first piece I wrote about extensively. After visiting the historic property several years ago, I have been captivated by its remarkable simplicity. The serenity of its setting in tandem with the exquisite design have kept my mind dwelling on Dr. Farnsworth’s countryside dwelling. Everything in the house is reduced to its simplest form. No line exists without purpose. No line is over exaggerated. No single element is inherently noteworthy; however, like a symphony, when all the components come together, …show more content…
A clear understanding of the work makes the enjoyment of them all the better. In going the extra mile, I learned to respect them even more and hold up the genius minds of their creators.
Formal Analysis:
Deceivingly simple, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s residential magnum opus Farnsworth House is nothing short of a stroke of architectural genius and quite possibly the greatest work of his illustrious career. Designed and constructed between 1945 and 1951, the house was intended to be a weekend countryside getaway for his wealthy client, Dr. Edith Farnsworth. The house was built on a large rural property on the Fox River about 60 miles from downtown Chicago.
The exterior of the house stands in firm contrast to its lush surrounding vegetation. The stark white lines of the minimalistic design manage to somehow stand out all while remaining remarkably organic.
The physical form of the Farnsworth House is quite simple even by Mies van der Rohe’s standards. It consists of two horizontal planes with the lower one raised several feet off of the ground and the second at an appropriate ceiling height above the first. The house is held above the ground by four columns on each side that run from the top of the roof into the ground …show more content…
Farnsworth spent the weekends in her glass house for another twenty years until, in the 1970’s, a bridge and road were completed nearby making for a considerably less tranquil setting (Michael). In 1972, the house was put up for sale by Dr. Farnsworth and purchased by Peter Palumbo, better known as Lord Palumbo. Lord Palumbo was a well-known British art patron who pounced on the opportunity to purchase the architecturally significant estate (Vogel). Dr. Farnsworth’s estate would continue to serve as a private residence for another 30 years until it was purchased by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2003 (Michael). The trust paid $7.5 million dollars, restored the house to be as original as possible and opened it to the public for