Early Modern Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Early Modern Architecture - Essay Example While he was working under Behren, Mies developed a design approach that was basically based on advanced structural techniques and Prussian classicism. While still conducting his discovery on architecture he developed sympathy for the aesthetic credos of both Dutch De Stijl group and Russian Constructivism. He also borrowed from the post and lintel construction of Karl Friedrich Schinkel for his designs in steel and glass. In 1923 Mies worked with a new magazine called G which started that every year in the month of July. His architectural philosophies are greatly recognized and were a major contribution in the late 1920s and 1930s as artistic director of the Werkbund-sponsored Weissenhof project and as a director of the Bauhaus (Cohen, 2006). Mies is famously known for his dictum ‘Less is More’ and he attempted to create neutral, contemplative spaces through an architecture that was based on structural integrity and material honesty. After ages spanning twenty years of his life, Mies was able to eventually achieve his vision of a monumental ‘skin and bone’ architecture. Through his dedication, commitment, passion and hard work his later works provide a fitting denouement to a life dedicated to the idea of a universal, simplified architecture. After World War 1, he developed the interest in the skyscraper which eventually led to him studying it and he designed two innovative and ingenious steel framed towers encased in glass. One of the critically acclaimed skyscrapers was the Friedrichstrasse which was designed in 1921 for a competition albeit it was never built but it drew a lot of critical praise and it even foreshadowed his skyscraper designs of the late 40s and 50s. The very same year he desi gned the Friedrichstrasse so did his marriage end and he changed his name.