Emergence of a Master Architect
<em>LIFE,</em> March 18, 1957
In this 1957 profile of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, LIFE magazine highlights some of the émigré architect’s well known U.S. projects. These include apartment buildings for Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive, the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Seagram Building in New York.Accompanied by numerous illustrations, the article touches upon some of the design elements Mies van der Rohe is known for – simplicity, strong geometric lines and the extensive use of glass, steel and other modern building materials.
“Across the U.S. from New York to Texas, a stern but stunning new architecture has begun to tower on city horizons. Until recently German-born Mies was renowned chiefly among fellow architects and his revolutionary ideas were known mostly through models, a few buildings in Europe and the work of disciples…. The sudden surge of commissions is accepted by Mies as vindication of his lifelong principle that architecture must be true to its time…. The demands of Mies’ advanced designs have pushed U.S. industry to keep pace technologically. “
“Emergence of a Master Architect.” LIFE, Mar. 18, 1957,p. 60-68.
