MEETING MIES ON MONDAY: Part 2

About Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Furniture...
Along with many architectural contributions to modern design, Mies van der Rohe also engaged himself in furniture design, to further demonstrate his design philosophies. Although some pieces designed were never used at the time of their execution, for example the Barcelona Chair designed and fabricated especially for the pavilion, many have withstood the test of time. His designs are icons of modernism in furniture design, and still manufactured to specifications by Knolls and licensed distribution is made to the public through a store known as Design Within Reach.

 

MR Side Chair (DWR)

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s MR Chair was designed in 1927 as part of his contribution to the Weissenhof exhibit in Stuttgart, Germany. The chair’s cantilevered design uses tubular steel, then a technological novelty, to create an intuitively accessible and ergonomic seat. (When asked why he created chairs with generously sized seats, Mies van der Rohe allegedly replied that he designs chairs he’d be most comfortable sitting in.)

MR Lounge Armchair (DWR)

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s MR Lounge Chair was designed in 1927 as part of his contribution to the Weissenhof exhibit in Stuttgart, Germany.

MR Chaise Lounge

Barcelona® Table (DWR)

Incorporating his signature stylized cross form, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Table (1927) expresses a clarity of form and materials that is immediately recognizable. Originally designed for the Tugendhat House in Brno, Czechoslovakia, the table is often paired with the Barcelona Chair for their stylistic parallels.

Barcelona® Chair (DWR)

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair and Stool (1929), originally created to furnish his German Pavilion at the International Exhibition in Barcelona, have come to epitomize modern design. Mies van der Rohe designed the chair to serve as seating for the king and queen of Spain, while the stool was intended to accommodate their attendants. To create the deep, precise tufting, individual panels of leather are cut, hand welted and hand tufted.

Barcelona® Couch (DWR)

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Couch (1930) was added to his Barcelona Collection in the year following the introduction of the Chair and Stool. Still produced to his original specifications, the couch gained widespread popularity in 1953, when architect Philip Johnson selected it for his New York apartment.

Brno Flat Bar Chair (DWR)

The Brno Flat Bar Chair (1930) is a masterpiece of structure, paying tribute to early modernism's gravity-defying skyscrapers. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to have a cantilevered base, the Brno offers the comfort of an armchair without the old-line stuffiness or bulk of upholstery.

Krefeld Chair

Although Mies is more known for creating chairs designed with balance of metal and leather, he did also create an all leather with wood collection called

the Krefeld Collection in 1927. The collection was conceived as a complement to his brick and glass design for the Esters and Lange residences in Krefeld, Germany. (The buildings, now called the Krefeld Villas, have since been converted into a museum of post-war contemporary art.)

Barcelona Stool

By far, the most popular of his furniture designs, used in both residential and commercial spaces is the Barcelona... which is also available and several powerful colors... and MY personal favorite chair. Below are a few photos I shot at a local DWR store...

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Design Within Reach, (aka DWR) can be found online, locally here in Coral Gables-Florida, become a fan on facebook, and for immediate personal assistance (no matter where you are located), you can contact Rebeca Suarez...

Rebeca Suarez (facebook page)

(new) Sole Proprietor

@77Miricle Mile

DWR - Coral Gables - FL