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The German Pavilion - Mies van der Rohe - Barcelona, Spain
The
cool and elegant building usually known as the “Barcelona Pavilion”, an
icon of 20th century modernist architecture, was designed by
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as the German Pavilion for the 1929
International Exposition in Barcelona. As is often the way with
exhibition buildings, it was demolished the following year, but was
rebuilt in 1959 to the original design.
A
prime example of “minimalism” in modern design, the Barcelona Pavilion
utilises brushed steel posts and partition walls of travertine, marble,
onyx and glass accented by a reflecting pool. The use of open space and
perpendicular translucent panes make for an open, relaxing and visually
soothing environment. One critic commented that “the viewer could walk
more or less endlessly, without ever being stopped in a cubical area”,
adding that the open plan gave an “intimation of infinite freedom of
movement”.
Mies
van der Rohe was a pioneering master within the modernist architecture
movement, and his influence can be clearly seen in any metropolitan
city. He called his buildings “skin and bones” architecture, and used
simplicity and clarity in designing many structures with steel frames
and glass panels, emphasizing open space and structural order.
Historically, forms supporting detailed classical revival styles were
vilified after World War I, being seen as a failure of the imperial
regimes of Europe. Boldly abandoning all adornment and ornamentation, he
proposed an all glass skyscraper in 1921, cementing his influence for
future architectural designs.
Some
have described Mies van der Rohe’s work as “the embrace of rationalism
in the modern age”, just as Gothic architecture was seen as an embrace
of spiritualism. His works speak to the ideas of incorporating
intellectual concepts and the nature of living space into a new genre
of building design.
Makara Yorimasa, who has lovingly recreated the Pavilion in Second Life,
is a huge admirer of Mies van der Rohe, and of the Barcelona Pavilion as
an outstanding example of his best work. Mak states:
“It’s a fantastic example of early modernism and very important,
historically; the use of interior space was innovative and it was Mies’
first use of the grid layout that became such a strong feature of his
later work.
For
me, space is a precious commodity in real life as well as in Second
Life. I live and work in London, a very old and densely populated city,
where space is at a premium, so in Second Life I am drawn towards
low-rise buildings, sleek clean lines and beautiful natural vistas.
I
originally built the Barcelona Pavilion for myself on Safe Harbour as a
home and retail space; I lived in the room next to the reflecting pool,
and left the main part of the building for business activities. It was a
very peaceful and relaxing place to come home to.
When
Chant asked me to find something suitable for the CNDG business complex,
I knew the long horizons and wide blue skies of Maupiti would be the
perfect setting for a low-rise build like the Barcelona Pavilion. I’m
really pleased with the way it looks. It includes an informal exhibition
space, and airy conference room, and a few small seating groups suitable
for chatting with clients.
In
fact, the building’s function is very similar to its real life
counterpart in that it looks gorgeous, feels tranquil, and frames the
views of the surrounding world beautifully.”
“For
me, working in Barcelona was a brilliant moment in my life.”
- Mies van der Rohe, from Frank Russell,
ed. Mies van der Rohe: European Works. p20.
The
reconstruction of the Barcelona Pavilion in Second Life continues and
expands CNDG’s commitment to authentic and realistic builds from
historic places and their introduction into the creative spaces of our
virtual meta-sphere. Designed to give a peaceful and queit venue for
businesses and individuals for meetings and events, Mak has situated the
building on a lovely coastline simulating the Southern California
climate and textures. He has built around it beautifully landscaped
areas, and an extensive coffee and gathering plaza with a central
fountain and enhanced the area with a second building designed as a
relaxation and gathering place for staff of CNDG. The Pavilion is
intended as a business centre, and is a lovely spot in which to
contemplate constructing a meaningful interchange of ideas and
experiences in SL for companies and individuals alike. |
