that cheese chapel- Mies Van Der Rohe & Le Corbusier

In Europe, Mies Van der Rohe and Le Corbusier dominated the modern world of Architecture. Mies Ven Der Rohe was a self-thought Architect, who converted from building neo classical style residential structures to modern buildings. He studied philosophies from many architects before him, which lead him to create designs based on his own well thought philosophies. His structures may look like the stereotypical modern structures that, like the others created at that time, had the same features: cubic in shape,flat roof, favoured the use of glass and steel and the rejection of ornamentation, but they all had a well thought philosophy behind them. Though many people have viewed as his architectural works as unliveable and “cold” I believe that he embraced modernism (materials, form) and wanted to create a style which celebrated architecture in its most raw form.

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Mies_van_der_Rohe)

My favourite of his works would have to be the very famous Farnsworth House. The skin and bone concept, the open feel and lack of coverage is something very new compared to the conventional homes that we live in today. He defied the rules of what a normal home should have and implied that it is acceptable (and has become even desirable to some) to live in a structure like that.

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Le Corbusier/Jeanneret , being another one the leading fathers of International architecture in Europe, incorporated the same style but he added his own elements to this style of designing. I noticed that instead of the stereotypical flat roofs and large glass windows as walls that were trending in the modern world of architecture at that time; he implemented flexibility with his structures by not only designing cubic forms, but also used curves, arcs and circles as well. He was also fond of using small windows. Structures which exemplify these features include the Villa Savoye and The Notre Dame du Haut. However, the edginess of his structures, use of material (concrete) and lack of bold colours kept it within the boundaries of international architecture.

I have heard that the Notre dame de haut has a spectacular interior. There are no intricate ornamentations, no magnificent paintings on the ceilings and no splashing colours on the inside, yet it provides a wondrous experience for those who enter, so I’ve heard. Le Corbusier was able to create a space which not only suitable for the acoustics (helped by its shape) but created an experience for his audience by thoughtfully punching a few holes here and there to emphasize a play on light. Just by doing something as simple as that. I am always impressed how these architects come up with spaces which are not only an area constricted by four walls, but it also moulds our emotions which in turn controls our activities.

While Architects who followed the baroque style, amazes us by including beautiful, delicate patterns and detailing on the facades and interiors and such, Architects who have picked up on the international style, does this by just adding simple and raw elements to their structures.