Architectures Le pavillon allemand de Barcelone

Summary

The German Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, designed by Mies van der Rohe, underwent three distinct phases in its existence. Originally a temporary structure, it was demolished after the fair but preserved in photographs for over five decades. Reconstructed in 1986, the pavilion showcases modernist principles, blending luxurious materials like marble and travertine with sleek, minimalistic design. Van der Rohe's architectural philosophy emphasizes beauty through simplicity, with a focus on form, structure, and spatial interplay. The pavilion is a timeless symbol of modern architecture, encapsulating the harmony between tradition and innovation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The German Pavilion, designed by Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, was originally a temporary structure that lasted only eight months.
• 😀 The pavilion was destroyed after the fair closed, but it was immortalized through a series of photographs taken by a Berlin photographer, becoming one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century.
• 😀 The pavilion was reconstructed in 1986 by a team of young Catalan architects, with a fragment of a pillar from the original 1929 structure discovered in its foundations.
• 😀 Mies van der Rohe believed in transcending functionalism in architecture, seeking beauty as a necessity and a finality in modern design, going beyond mere rational solutions.
• 😀 The pavilion was commissioned by the Weimar Republic to symbolize a new, peaceful Germany after World War I, designed to project an image of simplicity and openness.
• 😀 The pavilion was strategically located away from other buildings, nestled against a wooded hill, highlighting Mies van der Rohe’s admiration for ancient Greek architecture.
• 😀 The design of the pavilion uses a minimal metal framework with eight thin metallic columns, creating a clear distinction between structure and skin, which was revolutionary for modern architecture.
• 😀 The materials used were traditional but luxurious: Greek and Italian marbles, travertine, and onyx, complemented by modern metal structures like chrome-plated steel columns.
• 😀 Mies van der Rohe's use of space and transparency in the pavilion’s design emphasizes the idea that the structure itself is a language, combining the old and new to create a harmonious, dynamic form.
• 😀 The pavilion’s interior features a unique balance between visible and hidden elements, such as the displaced rug, the onyx walls, and the central figure of a statue, demonstrating Mies van der Rohe's skill in creating a fluid, ever-changing space.

Q & A

What is the significance of the German Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition?

The German Pavilion, designed by Mies van der Rohe, was an iconic structure at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. It symbolized the modernity of the Weimar Republic and Germany's desire to project a peaceful and progressive image to the world, embodying a minimalist architectural style that would influence modern architecture significantly.

Why was the German Pavilion considered temporary, and what happened to it after the exposition?

The German Pavilion was originally intended as a temporary structure for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. After the fair ended, it was dismantled in 1930. Its 'second life' occurred through a series of photographs taken by a Berlin photographer, which preserved its legacy for over fifty years until it was reconstructed in 1986.

How did Mies van der Rohe approach the design of the German Pavilion?

Mies van der Rohe's design for the German Pavilion focused on simplicity, openness, and the use of modern materials. He rejected conventional approaches, using a minimalist style with open spaces, clear structural lines, and materials like glass, travertine, and marble to evoke a sense of calm and timelessness.

What role did photography play in preserving the legacy of the German Pavilion?

Photography played a crucial role in preserving the German Pavilion after its demolition. A series of meticulously taken photographs helped immortalize the pavilion, making it one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century, even though it physically no longer existed.

What was the significance of the materials used in the German Pavilion?

Mies van der Rohe used both modern and traditional materials in the German Pavilion. Luxurious materials like Greek and Italian marble were combined with industrial elements like chromed steel. These choices demonstrated a balance between innovation and respect for classical architecture, creating a visually rich yet minimalist environment.

Why did Mies van der Rohe select the specific site for the German Pavilion?

Mies van der Rohe chose a secluded site, backed by a wooded hill, rather than the more prominent location initially designated for the pavilion. The site’s natural surroundings, combined with the pavilion’s modern geometric design, evoked a connection to classical Greek architecture, a style Mies admired.

How did Mies van der Rohe's design challenge traditional architectural conventions?

Mies van der Rohe’s design for the German Pavilion broke from tradition by emphasizing structural honesty and minimalism. His use of open space, free-flowing interior areas, and the separation of structure and facade through the use of glass and thin steel columns set a new standard in architectural design.

What was the symbolic meaning behind the design choices, such as the statue and the materials used?

The statue of Georg Kolbe, 'The Morning', and the materials used in the pavilion like marble and onyx served as symbolic elements that added depth to the space. The statue, placed strategically in the pavilion, directed attention and perspective, while the contrast between luxurious materials and modern structure emphasized the blending of the old and the new.

How did Mies van der Rohe use glass in the design of the German Pavilion?

Glass played a central role in Mies van der Rohe’s design, providing transparency that connected the interior with the surrounding environment. It allowed for a fluid interaction between inside and outside spaces, and its reflective qualities enhanced the sense of space, contributing to the pavilion’s aesthetic of openness and lightness.

What was the philosophical approach behind Mies van der Rohe's architectural philosophy?

Mies van der Rohe’s architectural philosophy emphasized the unity between structure and form. He believed that architecture was not about creating decorative forms but about understanding and expressing the underlying structure. He famously stated, 'Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together,' highlighting the importance of craftsmanship and discipline in creating meaningful architecture.