Here Comes the Sun, Redux

This is the second post of seven, each a response to Kate Shrewsday’s request for an itinerary of MTM’s Seven Architectural Wonders. Each text post has a corollary visual post; the text and image posts will alternate between the blogs of Kate Shrewsday and the Andra Watkins. Since I (MTM) am no longer a paid pedant, I will try to make these as entertaining and enlightening as possible in 600 words or less. One ground rule: I cannot include a work of architecture I have not experienced directly and personally, just as one’s list of Great Books should not include a book one hasn’t yet read.
To read the text of the second post “Here Comes the Sun, Redux” please click here!

The Barcelona Pavilion, reconstructed from the 1929 International Exposition

Originally the German Pavilion for the Expo, the materials echo the colors of the German Flag

As you approach, the red curtain ‘slides’ to reveal the sculpture beyond

Ascending to the plinth

Sliding planes and reflections

Inside the pavilion, with Mies’ famous Barcelona Chair

Here comes the sun

Fissures in the ceiling

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18 thoughts on “Here Comes the Sun, Redux

    1. My understanding is that when Mies got the commission to design the building for the German government, one stipulation was that the German flag be represented; he did not take this requirement literally.

  1. I am not in the least knowledgeable about architecture, but I’ll comment before reading the text and say that I observe how much the design reminds me of old Palm Springs, California. If given a little test without prompts that’s where I’d have placed the buildings. I’ve always liked the design features. I’ll move on over now and learn something! 🙂 Debra

  2. She’s beautiful. But her setting is stunning too. And I had no idea it existed: I love it when new doors like this open to explore. And this is definitely one of those. Great post, MTM, thank you!

  3. I do not know why but seeing the clean and somewhat brutally modernistic lines and silhouettes of the architecture takes me aeons away from “follow the sun” lyrics. On the other hand, my mind shifts to that individualistic young architect and Fountainhead’s protagonist, Howard Roark…….

    Loved it.

    Shakti

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