An Inside Look at Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut

Connecticut Public Radio

29 Jul 201601:59

Summary

TLDRThe video script describes the iconic Glass House, a steel frame structure approximately 55 ft by 35 ft, designed by architect Philip Johnson. Notably, the house is devoid of interior supports and features walls, windows, and doors made entirely of glass. The house is intricately connected to the landscape, with an oak tree on the property serving as a central point of reference for Johnson. A famous 1949 photograph by Ezra Stoller captures the house's seamless integration with its environment, appearing as a singular object on a lawn. However, upon visiting, one realizes the true essence of the Glass House—its design is not for being admired as an object but rather for providing a vantage point to observe the surrounding nature. Johnson's own words characterize the Glass House as a 'permanent camping trip,' emphasizing its connection to nature and the outdoors.

Takeaways

🏠 The Glass House was considered Philip Johnson's primary residence.
📏 It measures approximately 55 ft long by 35 ft wide.
🏗️ The structure has no interior supports and features a steel frame.
🌳 The walls, windows, and doors are made of glass, allowing for a strong connection with the surrounding environment.
🌳 An oak tree on the property was used by Johnson as a symbolic anchor point for the house.
📸 The 1949 photo by Ezra Stoller depicts the Glass House as a singular, sculptural object on the lawn.
🌿 Upon visiting, one realizes the building's integration with the site, contrasting with the object-like appearance in the photo.
👀 The Glass House is designed for looking out into the environment, rather than being an object to look at.
⛺️ Johnson described the Glass House as a 'permanent camping trip', suggesting a connection to nature and simplicity.
🎨 The design of the Glass House reflects a minimalist and transparent approach to architecture.

Q & A

Who is the architect that considered the Glass House as his primary residence?
-The architect who considered the Glass House as his primary residence is Philip Johnson.
What are the dimensions of the Glass House?
-The Glass House is approximately 55 feet long by 35 feet wide.
What material is used for the walls, windows, and doors of the Glass House?
-The walls, windows, and doors of the Glass House are made of glass.
How is the Glass House structurally supported?
-The Glass House is a steel frame structure with no interior supports.
What significance does the oak tree have in relation to the Glass House?
-The oak tree was present on the site in 1949 and Johnson used it as a reference point, stating he would hang his hat off of it, giving the impression that the Glass House is hung off of the tree.
Who took the famous 1949 photo of the Glass House?
-The famous 1949 photo of the Glass House was taken by Ezra Stoller.
What does the 1949 photo by Ezra Stoller depict about the Glass House?
-The 1949 photo depicts the Glass House as a single structure that looks like an object on a lawn.
How does the experience of visiting the Glass House differ from viewing its photographs?
-Visiting the Glass House allows one to realize its integration with the site, which is not as evident in photographs.
What is the purpose of the Glass House according to Johnson?
-Johnson described the Glass House as being about looking out, not to be looked at like an object, but to look out from.
How did Johnson characterize his experience of living in the Glass House?
-Johnson characterized living in the Glass House as a 'permanent camping trip'.
What is the significance of the Glass House in the context of architecture?
-The Glass House is significant in architecture for its innovative use of glass as the primary material for walls, windows, and doors, and its minimalist, transparent design that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
What is the Glass House's relationship with its natural surroundings?
-The Glass House is designed to be in harmony with its natural surroundings, using the oak tree as a focal point and allowing for a seamless connection between the house and its environment.