The last blog post will discuss another of Rohe’s works. This time, though, it is not another unique house. S.R. Crown Hall, a building for the School of Architecture and Institute of Technology (in Illinois Institute of Technology),  was built starting in 1950 and took approximately six years to complete. It was not smooth sailing for Rohe, however. Problem after problem arose that kept delaying the completion of the building. First, it was the city inspectors who said that certain parts of the building (like the steel columns) had to pass certain measures and safety regulations in order to continue the project. Moreover, they wanted Rohe to add railings to the porch. What was interesting about his was that Rohe did not want to do that, as he wanted to make the porch similar to the Farnsowrth house, discussed in blog #5. In the end, however, the railings had to be placed along the porch.

Another problem that happened during the construction of the building was a fire that started because of a cement heater, requiring around $100,000 worth or repairs. One of my favorite parts about the building are the high walls and windows. It was explained that they were there to help students be able to look out and up and continue to stay curious. S.R. Crown Hall was admired so much, so that in 2001, it even became a National Historic Landmark. An aspect of the building that I love is the greenery surrounding it and the fact that the tall, clear windows allow for a beautiful view.

I would thoroughly enjoy being a student in that hall, as I could de-stress by admiring the beautiful nature around me. I could see it as being very therapeutic for students, especially during finals week!

http://www.miessociety.org/legacy/projects/crown-hall/

The fifth post will discuss a very unique house designed by Rohe. This house, designed in 1946 for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, desired a vacation home of sorts that she could visit on weekends. She had met Rohe at a gathering in Chicago and, as she knew his excellent work and unique ideas, enlisted his help with building her desired weekend home. There are various parts of the story that were so interesting to read about. First of all, the design for the house was drawn and redrawn more than 160 times before Rohe finally settled with the final draft. The second thing that I found extremely interesting was that Dr. Farnsworth and Rohe did not just have an architect/client relationship but actually developed a friendship as well! The third point that I thought was rather sad was that the house, the expenses, and bills became too much for Dr. Farnsworth and she ended up selling it. She unfortunately died before getting to see just how well-known and appreciated the house became. A recurring theme I get with Mies van der Rohe is his appreciation of nature. Whenever he designs homes and buildings, I feel that he maybe tries to focus a bit on making the structure one with nature somehow. Whether it’s with large windows or his minimalist designs of the home, he somehow seamlessly incorporates the building with the nature around it.

I would absolutely love a house like this that has few barriers between the inside and outside. I believe nature is soothing so having a house that is open to the colorful trees and flowers can be so relaxing, especially after a day’s hard work.

http://www.miessociety.org/legacy/projects/farnsworth-house/#3

http://www.farnsworthhouse.org/

The fourth blog post will discuss another one of Rohe’s great works. The Rugendhat house was designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1928 for the Rugendhat couple. The house is luxurious both inside and out, with classy furniture, large windows, and various staircases (even a spiral staircase that leads to the utility area)! Due to its placement on top of a rather steep valley on one side, the shape of the house is a bit unique. While on one side, it can be seen as one story, the other side shows two stories of the house. Aside from just the unique design of the house by Rohe, furniture designed by the architect himself were also in the home. They included two different chairs and a coffee table.

I love the unique designs of the house as it reminds me of buildings back in Jordan, where there are ubundant hills and valleys at every turn. Another aspect of the house that I love is that it is in the middle of a lot of greenery and overlooks a steep valley, where even the Spielberg Castle can be seen! This house is also the last major home design that Rohe built in Europe.

Nowadays, the house is open for the public to see. To give you an idea of how loved this house is for visitors, purchasing tickets for admission to see the house should be done almost two months prior to the visit.

http://www.miessociety.org/legacy/projects/tugendhat-house/#2

http://www.tugendhat.eu/en/

This is one of my absolute favorite works by Rohe. Built in 1929, the German/Barcelona Pavilion was built as part of the Barcelona International Exposition where architects from various countries gathered to both help with urban development and experiment with various different architectural designs. This building, the German’s section of the exhibit, was all class and as fancy as could be. The building  included an array of various materials including red onyx, marble, and travertine.

An interesting thing I read about the story behind the building was Rohe’s plans for it. He wanted it to be a comfortable place where people could walk through it and unwind. One of my favorite aspects of the building that I believe contributes to his intention for that, is its open space. I love the unique design of the building, where it allows a lot of sunlight to enter as well as open doorways that lead to the outside. It avoids what many buildings tend to do, which is reinforce the feeling of being in an enclosed space and set apart from nature. The way Rohe designed it, it seems like the building is a part of it, where the tall clear windows, outside pools, and greenery make it feel like a part of the environment. Beside the pool outside, there is also a sculpture by the Georg Kolbe and adds to the artistic aspect of the building and its beautiful architecture.

After the completion of the building, it became an area for reception space for industrial exhibits and events by the German government.

http://www.miessociety.org/legacy/projects/the-barcelona-pavilion/#7

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_Pavilion#/media/File:Barcelona_Pavilion_contrast.JPG

https://www.facebook.com/56200560378/photos/a.56393110378.90553.56200560378/10150235303370379/?type=3&theater

Continuing from the first blog post, the next building to discuss is one that is related to the Riehl house. After seeing how the Riehl house turned out, the Urbig family’s interest was peaked. In 1915, they enlisted Rohe to help them with their house. One thing stuck out to me specifically as I was reading the background on this building. The client is not always going to be 100% pleased with whatever the architect is drawing up and automatically just go with it. It turned out that, initially, Rohe had planned to do the house with a flat roof design. However, Urbig was not taken with the design and Rohe then redesigned it. In the end, the house was built with a traditional roof with dormer windows. Although this house turned out a lot fancier than the Riehl house, I think it has its own unique charms. The interior had its various rooms, including a reception room, dining room, and a butler’s pantry.

It reminds me of the kind of houses I’d imagine while reading Pride & Prejudice, for example. To this day, I think the Urbig House would be my ideal design for my dream home. It’s a bit fancy but classy nonetheless.

http://www.ncmodernist.org/vanderrohe.htm

http://www.miessociety.org/legacy/projects/urbig-house/

https://www.facebook.com/56200560378/photos/a.61447535378.96435.56200560378/61447615378/?type=3&theater

For the first blog post about the architect Mies van der Rohe, we’ll start with his very first building. A stark contrast to what many 21-year olds are doing these days, Rohe was beginning his career already under the guidance of his mentor and boss, Bruno Paul. Paul was a German designer (of both furniture and the interior of buildings) and an architect. His influence on the young lad was evident in the design of very first building, in 1907. While designing the Riehl House, Mies van der Rohe concentrated on the design, incorporating details like the roof and the stucco exterior that reflected a sort of German style. On the inside, Rohe once again incorporated German styles, in addition to inspiration from English cottages and buildings in Japan.

A part of the background story that I thought was fascinating was about the Riehl family. When looking for an architect to help them with their house, they did not want an experienced professional, but rather someone that was just starting out! Although I can just judge it based on pictures, it seems to me like a very cozy sort of home. It seems comfortable, rather pretty, and not too over the top. It strikes me as something a newlywed couple or a retired couple might live in!

http://www.miessociety.org/legacy/projects/riehl-house-o/

https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Riehl_House

http://timerime.com/en/event/2973469/Riehl

For my last blog post, I decided to write about one of my personal favorites. The OU Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City is where I currently volunteer and the place I hope to work in the future. I am studying to become a pediatric physical therapist and this is just the place I want to spend my career. The atrium is my favorite part of the hospital. It was built in 2011 and is the entrance to the Children’s hospital. There are a few things that really stand out to me. The roof of the atrium looks almost like waves, and along with the butterflies and large windows that span the ceiling and walls, this creates a very open, relaxing atmosphere. Plenty of sunlight is able to shine through and gives the place a sense of serenity. In a place like a hospital, you do what you can to try to keep spirits up. Aside from the medical care that doctors give, the architecture of the building itself is a kind of treatment in itself. The outside is welcoming as well, having colorful kites to welcome patients and families. The Children’s Hospital really makes an effort to create a uplifting, light-hearted atmosphere with its layout. The atrium/entrance pictured above, as well as colorful outdoor play areas, and an indoor play zone all help raise the spirits of the patients and their families. Being able to work in such an environment that is serene and aims to spread positivity is truly a blessing. Hopefully it will be my workplace sometimes in the future!

For my fifth post, I decided to write about Thorncrown Chapel located in Eureka Springs. This past summer, I visited this absolutely stunning chapel with high, clear glass windows. It was designed by E. Fay Jones, using a bit of the Prairie School architecture style, and completed in 1980. It is unlike any building I have ever come across before. Its criss-cross design spans the entire length of the building across its high ceiling. The outside of the chapel is absolutely captivating. Inside, it is even more breathtaking. You can feel a sense of calm and serenity especially with the clear windows on every side. I especially loved it because the chapel was surrounded by greenery and trees. I felt it was a nice way for the building to feel like a part of nature. It had a very relaxing aura about it and would create an atmosphere that is perfect for reflection and worship. Eureka Springs is one of those places that has little bits of incredible architecture scattered throughout in random, hidden nooks. It makes the buildings stand out that much more. After driving through trees and uneven roads, you come across a beauty like this one.

For my fourth post, I decided on The Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I visited Washington D.C. on a school trip back in the summer of 2012. I also visited the Holocaust Museum, the National World War II Memorial, and a few other monuments. However, the Vietnam memorial was one that I kept remembering very vividly. I walked the stretch of the wall, seeing the countless number of names of people who were killed, prisoners of war, or those MIA during the war. The wall was completed around 1983 and the design has an important meaning as well. As you walk along the wall and look the lists of names, you are able to see your reflection in the smooth stone. This is meant to signify the present and the past being brought together. When I visited the wall, I remember not speaking a word and just taking in all those names one after another. They were someone’s husband, wife, father, brother, or sister. It is a place I highly recommend to anyone visiting D.C. It is an incredible piece of art and design dedicated to the men and women who fought. Looking at it from afar, it looks like a simple black wall but as you close in on it, you can begin to take in the meaning behind those words etched in it.

I decided to do my third post on the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia building, established in 1973 and located in Beirut, Lebanon. Although there is not much information I could find on the structure of the building, this is one of my favorite pieces of architecture because of the meaning it holds to me. My mom worked for the UN in that very building when I was in first grade. After school, we would walk with my dad from our school to this building. The outside of the building, like inside, was absolutely stunning. To a 5 year old, it was like a castle with its tall glass windows, never-ending staris,lucious green grass, flowers, rows of stairs, and rows of flags. I remember feeling so much excitement going to visit every day. There are only some memories that really stick out from one’s childhood and this is definitely one of those moments. It was my happy place. I remember always visiting my mom’s coworkers in adjacent offices, who were like family. To this day, every time I look at this building, it brings back a rush of positive emotions.