Farnsworth House: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

The only residence ever to be built by the pioneering architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in America, Farnsworth House (1948-51) exemplifies the central tenet both of the 'international style', by inverting the conventions of traditional architecture, and of Mies' own design philosophy.

Commissioned by Dr Edith Farnsworth to build a weekend retreat, Mies designed the house as an envelope of glass and steel floating over the Illinois Fox River flood plain. Its minimalist interior was intended for a simpler, cleaner, and healthier lifestyle. Before its actual completion, however, architect and client had fallen out over expenses and practical problems with the house. By the time Lord Palumbo bought it in 1972, Farnsworth had changed many of the interior elements dictated so precisely by Mies. Following a ruinous flood in 1996, the house has been faithfully reconstructed to its original conception.

Richly illustrated with detailed drawings and specially commissioned photography, this latest book in an award-winning series provides an in-depth account of this icon of twentieth century modernist architecture.

Part of an award-winning architectural series for students and professionals
This volume focuses on Farnsworth House, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Contains a detailed introductory essay and over 100 photographs and line drawings
Includes specially commissioned photography, technical drawings and working details

Maritz Vandenberg was the founding publisher of Architecture and Technology Press and has worked as Technical Editor on the Architects' Journal and as Editorial Director of Architectural Press Books. Amongst other publications, he is Co-Author of the Phaidon title Twentieth-Century Museums I, New National Gallery, and has written three seminal design primers for architectural students and practitioners - Soft Canopies, Glass Canopies and Cable Nets.