Introducing the Iconic Farnsworth House Drawings
The Farnsworth House is an iconic example of modernist architecture, designed by legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and built in 1951. Located in Plano, Illinois, the house is a one-room structure made up of steel, glass and travertine, sitting atop a 66-foot-long steel and concrete platform. The Farnsworth House is iconic not just for its architecture, but also for its drawings. The drawings, which are currently held at the Mies van der Rohe Archives at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, are highly detailed and intricately crafted plans of the house, and are essential to understanding how the house was built and how it functions.
The History of the Farnsworth House Drawings
The drawings for the Farnsworth House were created by Mies van der Rohe and his assistant, designer and architect John Peter Emanuel. Together, the two men took measurements of the house, and drew up detailed plans for each room, as well as for the exterior of the house. The drawings were completed over a period of several months, and when they were finished, Mies van der Rohe was able to painstakingly assemble the house using the drawings as a guide.
The Importance of the Farnsworth House Drawings
The Farnsworth House drawings are important for several reasons. First, they provide an insight into Mies van der Rohe’s design process. By looking at the drawings, one can get a better understanding of how Mies used geometry and proportion to create an aesthetically pleasing structure. Second, the drawings provide a blueprint for how the house was constructed. The exact measurements and placement of the steel and glass elements can be seen in the drawings, which can be used to help replicate the house in other locations. Finally, the drawings provide a lasting record of the house, which is a valuable resource for those who are interested in studying and appreciating modernist architecture.
The Drawings and Their Contents
The Farnsworth House drawings consist of several drawings, each drawn to a different scale. There are drawings of the exterior of the house, which are drawn to a scale of 1/4 inch to the foot. These drawings show the exact placement and size of the steel and concrete elements, as well as the placement of the windows and the door. There are also interior drawings, which are drawn to a scale of 1/2 inch to the foot. These drawings show the exact placement of the furniture and other interior elements, as well as the placement of the lights and other electrical components. Finally, there are drawings of the mechanical systems, such as the plumbing and the air conditioning systems, which are drawn to a scale of 1/8 inch to the foot.
The Drawings and Their Significance
The Farnsworth House drawings are significant for several reasons. First, they provide an insight into Mies van der Rohe’s design process and how he used geometry and proportion to create a unique and aesthetically pleasing structure. Secondly, they provide a blueprint for how the house was constructed and how it functions. Finally, they serve as a lasting record of the house, which is invaluable for those who are interested in studying and appreciating modernist architecture.
Conclusion
The Farnsworth House is an iconic example of modernist architecture, designed by legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The house is iconic not just for its architecture, but also for its drawings, which are currently held at the Mies van der Rohe Archives at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The drawings, which were created by Mies van der Rohe and his assistant, are highly detailed and intricately crafted plans of the house, and are essential to understanding how the house was built and how it functions. The drawings provide an insight into Mies van der Rohe’s design process, a blueprint for how the house was constructed, and a lasting record of the house. They are an invaluable resource for those who are interested in studying and appreciating modernist architecture.
Leave a Reply