- Architecture & development
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886 - 1969) is an absolute legend in architecture and has inspired many other designers and architects to this day. This recently re-released publication by Phaidon is therefore a must-have that should not be missing from your bookcase.
The German-American architect is known for the purity of his modernist creations influenced by De Stijl (or: Neoplasticism) and other big names like Peter Behrens, Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier. Mies was also director of the Bauhaus for two years before the doors of this groundbreaking school were closed by the Nazis. At the end of the 1930s the architect was able to start a new life in the United States, where he was also able to spread the ideas of the Bauhaus. 
A meticulous focus on the right proportions and materials
In Mies' design and architectural style, the formal aspect was always sober and pure. "Less is more" was therefore his design philosophy, which manifested itself mainly in a meticulous focus on the right proportions and materials (especially glass, steel and natural stone) without losing himself in purely decorative additions.
Mies's portfolio includes private residences, skyscrapers, museums and other public buildings, as well as pieces of furniture such as the 'Barcelona' chair and the 'Tugendhat' chair that were created as part of specific architectural projects. In this comprehensive book all his most important realisations are discussed. Author Detlef Mertins provides detailed descriptions as well as additional explanations of the context in which the buildings were created. 
We could turn this blog into a whole book about the achievements of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, but publishing house Phaidon already did an excellent job at that. We are therefore happy to put this publication in the spotlight and advise everyone to make it an essential part of your book collection, just like us.
Buy the most recent edition here. 
Header image: Mies van der Rohe, Tugendhat House, Brno, 1928–30; interior view along glass wall to dining room and terrace. Picture credit: © isifa Image Service s.r.o. / Alamy