Collection by Allie Weiss

We Love You, Mies van der Rohe

One of our favorite modernists was born 129 years ago today. Here, we gather some of our favorite works by the German-born architect, a pioneer of modern architecture.

Detroit's Lafayette Park—the first urban-renewal project in the United States—constitutes the world's largest collection of buildings designed by Mies van der Rohe. Completed in 1959, the 78-acre complex is not as well known as some of Mies' other projects. However, it deserves recognition as it still remains a vibrant neighborhood, even being more than 50 years old.
Detroit's Lafayette Park—the first urban-renewal project in the United States—constitutes the world's largest collection of buildings designed by Mies van der Rohe. Completed in 1959, the 78-acre complex is not as well known as some of Mies' other projects. However, it deserves recognition as it still remains a vibrant neighborhood, even being more than 50 years old.
Over 50 miles outside of Chicago, one of Mies's most famous commissions, the Farnsworth House, lies. The one-room weekend retreat, built of steel and glass, is representative of the International Style. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
Over 50 miles outside of Chicago, one of Mies's most famous commissions, the Farnsworth House, lies. The one-room weekend retreat, built of steel and glass, is representative of the International Style. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
INsite: Farnsworth House Light Show. These photographs are offered as pledges to backers of the Kickstarter, which ends May 31. Photo by Kate Joyce
INsite: Farnsworth House Light Show. These photographs are offered as pledges to backers of the Kickstarter, which ends May 31. Photo by Kate Joyce
The German Pavilion at the Barcelona Expo 1929 by Mies Van der Rohe is one of the most important buildings in the flowering of modernism.
The German Pavilion at the Barcelona Expo 1929 by Mies Van der Rohe is one of the most important buildings in the flowering of modernism.
Built for the pavilion, the Barcelona chair became an instant classic. It has been produced by Knoll since 1953.
Built for the pavilion, the Barcelona chair became an instant classic. It has been produced by Knoll since 1953.
This villa in Brno, Czech Republic was a commission for the Tugendhat family built in 1930. Fritz and Greta Tugendhat worked closely with Mies, who designed the site-specific building to make excellent use of steel, glass and concrete.
This villa in Brno, Czech Republic was a commission for the Tugendhat family built in 1930. Fritz and Greta Tugendhat worked closely with Mies, who designed the site-specific building to make excellent use of steel, glass and concrete.
Exterior of Mies van der Rohe's Lake Shore Drive apartments, circa 1951. Photograph by Richard Nickel.
Exterior of Mies van der Rohe's Lake Shore Drive apartments, circa 1951. Photograph by Richard Nickel.