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.

Outlines

00:00

🏡 The Glass House: A Masterpiece of Architecture

The first paragraph introduces the Glass House, a remarkable steel frame structure without interior supports, measuring 55 ft by 35 ft. It highlights the building's unique design, where the walls, windows, and doors are made of glass, allowing for an uninterrupted view of the surrounding environment. The Glass House is described as Philip Johnson's primary residence and is depicted as being intimately connected to the site it occupies. The iconic 1949 photograph by Ezra Stoller is mentioned, which presents the house as a singular structure on a lawn. However, upon visiting, one realizes the true integration of the house with its natural surroundings. The paragraph concludes with Johnson's own words, likening the Glass House to a 'permanent camping trip,' emphasizing the experiential aspect of living in such a transparent and connected space.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Glass House

The Glass House refers to a specific architectural structure that is the main subject of the video. It is a residential building known for its innovative design, being approximately 55 feet long by 35 feet wide with a steel frame and no interior supports. The building's walls, windows, and doors are made of glass, allowing for a seamless integration with the surrounding environment. In the video, the Glass House is described as a primary residence and is associated with the idea of a 'permanent camping trip,' emphasizing its connection to nature and the outdoors.

💡Philip Johnson

Philip Johnson was a prominent American architect who is mentioned in the video as the person who considered the Glass House his primary residence. His design of the Glass House is central to the video's theme, as it exemplifies his architectural philosophy and style. Johnson's use of the oak tree as a reference point for the house's design further illustrates his approach to integrating architecture with the natural landscape.

💡Steel frame structure

A steel frame structure is a type of construction that uses steel beams to create the building's skeleton. In the context of the video, the Glass House is described as a steel frame structure, which allows for its large expanses of glass without the need for interior supports. This construction method is significant as it enables the transparency and openness that are key features of the Glass House's design.

💡Interior supports

Interior supports are structural elements within a building that help to hold up the roof or floors. The video highlights that the Glass House has no interior supports, which is a notable aspect of its design. This lack of supports contributes to the sense of openness and allows for unobstructed views from within the house to the surrounding landscape.

💡Last this oak

The phrase 'last this oak' seems to be a miscommunication or error in the transcript, as 'last' does not fit the context. However, the reference to an oak tree is significant in the video. The oak tree is mentioned as being present on the site since 1949 and is used by Johnson as a point of reference, indicating the house's design is in harmony with the natural environment. The tree serves as a symbol of the integration between the built structure and the landscape.

💡Ezra Stoller

Ezra Stoller was a renowned architectural photographer known for his work capturing the essence of modern architecture. In the video, a 1949 photo by Stoller of the Glass House is mentioned, emphasizing the building's status as an iconic piece of modern architecture. Stoller's photograph is significant as it has helped to shape the public's perception of the Glass House and its importance in architectural history.

💡Integration with the site

The term 'integration with the site' refers to the design approach of blending a building with its surrounding environment. In the video, the Glass House is described as being highly integrated with the site, which is evident when one visits the location. This integration is a key aspect of the building's design, reflecting the architect's intention to create a harmonious relationship between the structure and its natural setting.

💡Looking out

The concept of 'looking out' is central to the video's discussion of the Glass House. It suggests that the purpose of the house's design is not merely to be an object to be admired but to provide a vantage point from which to observe the surrounding landscape. This idea is reinforced by the use of glass as the primary material, which allows for unimpeded views and a strong connection to the outdoors.

💡Permanent camping trip

The phrase 'permanent camping trip' is used by Johnson to describe the experience of living in the Glass House. It implies a sense of being close to nature and enjoying a simple, unadorned lifestyle. This description relates to the video's theme by emphasizing the house's design as a means to enhance the connection between its inhabitants and the natural world.

💡Architectural philosophy

Architectural philosophy refers to the underlying principles and ideas that guide an architect's approach to design. In the context of the video, Johnson's architectural philosophy is discussed in relation to the design of the Glass House. His ideas about transparency, integration with nature, and minimalism are reflected in the house's design, making it a significant example of modern architectural thought.

💡Transparency

Transparency in architecture refers to the visual openness created by the use of materials like glass. The video highlights the Glass House's transparency as a key feature, which allows for a strong connection between the interior and exterior spaces. This design element is central to the video's theme, as it exemplifies the architect's aim to create a sense of continuity between the house and its natural surroundings.

Highlights

Philip Johnson considered the Glass House his primary residence.

The Glass House is a steel frame structure, 55 ft long by 35 ft wide, with no interior supports.

All walls, windows and doors of the Glass House are made of glass.

The Glass House is designed to be hung off an oak tree on the site.

The famous 1949 photo by Ezra Stoller shows the Glass House as a single structure on the lawn.

Upon visiting, the integration of the Glass House with the site becomes apparent.

Inside, the focus is on looking out from the Glass House, not being looked at as an object.

Johnson described the Glass House as a 'permanent camping trip'.

The Glass House is a significant example of modernist architecture.

The design blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

The use of glass creates a sense of transparency and openness.

The structure's simplicity and minimalism are striking.

The Glass House is a testament to Johnson's innovative design approach.

The building has had a major impact on the field of architecture.

It challenges traditional notions of privacy and domestic space.

The Glass House is a masterpiece of modern architecture.

The design showcases Johnson's skill in manipulating light and space.

The building's integration with nature is a key aspect of its design.

The Glass House continues to inspire architects and designers worldwide.