German Pavilion Barcelona: Mies van der Rohe's Masterpiece

German Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe

The German Pavilion, designed by Mies van der Rohe, is a seminal work of mid-century architecture, completed in 1929.

Historical Context (1929)

In 1929, Spain was under the reign of Alfonso XIII, with Primo de Rivera holding power. Meanwhile, Germany was the Weimar Republic. The German population was growing, with industry being the main occupation.

Mies van der Rohe's Career

Mies van der Rohe was a leading representative of rationalist architecture. Of German origin, his career can be divided into two parts. His initial training and practice were in Berlin until just after World War I, a period when Germany was devastated. He was part of a group tasked with rebuilding the country. Thereafter, his career ascended. He became director of the Bauhaus school, which later closed when many components were exiled following Hitler's rise to power. Before World War II, he moved to the United States, where he became a very important architect.

Influences on Rationalism

Rationalism was influenced by various architectural movements and styles, including:

• The Chicago School of architecture (Sullivan)
• The Vienna School in Europe
• Cubism
• Neoplasticism
• Constructivism

Key rationalist architects included Walter Gropius (founder of Bauhaus) and Le Corbusier (Swiss, designer of La Ville Savoye). The vocabulary of rationalism is evident in elements like windows.

Rationalist Architectural Style

The style of the work is Rationalism.

Key Characteristics of the Pavilion

Characteristics of the rationalist style, as seen in the Pavilion, include:

• Constructive Austerity: Lack of superfluous ornamentation.
• Pure and Clean Forms: Emphasis on simplicity.
• Symmetry and Balance: Harmonious composition.
• New Materials: Utilization of concrete, glass, stainless steel, wood, marble, and granite.
• Non-Load-Bearing Walls: Walls function as screens, not structural supports; support is provided by columns/piers.
• Concern for Interior Space: Focus on the flow and experience within the building.
• Relationship with the Environment: Integration with the surroundings.
• Use of Water: Water features are incorporated as part of the design.
• Absence of a Traditional Facade: The building lacks a distinct front facade.
• Open Floor Plan: The interior space is fluid and open.
• Constructive System: Based on new materials and techniques.
• Geometry: Primarily straight lines and elementary volumes with visible structures.

Construction and Materials

Construction System

The construction system utilizes new materials, incorporating innovations from the Second Industrial Revolution.

Materials Used

Materials include stone (marble, granite), stainless steel, and glass.

Wall Treatment

The walls are formed by large slabs of marble, granite, and glass, framed by green stainless steel.

Formal Analysis

Structure and Support

The floor plan is free, supported by eight columns.

Roof Design

The roof is a flat, horizontal plane supported by the columns.

Exterior Space

The outer space is dominant, featuring vertical lines and a strong relationship between inside and outside, integrating with the surrounding garden. There is no traditional front.

Interior Space

The interior of the Pavilion embodies the vocabulary of rationalism.

Significance and Function

Building Character

The building has a public and civil character.

Symbols and Meaning

It lacks external symbols of modernity. The interior features the iconic Barcelona Chair. The building itself symbolized the modern German Weimar Republic.

Commissioning Details

The work was commissioned by the government of the Weimar Republic for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, intended to represent Germany.

Original and Current Function

Its original function was institutional, serving as the German national pavilion. Today, it has a didactic purpose, demonstrating the principles of rationalism in architecture.

Enduring Value

Originally intended as a national representation, the Pavilion now serves to educate visitors about rationalist architecture and its historical context.