Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Biography

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) was a German-American architect and pioneer of modernist design. Known for his minimalist philosophy expressed in the phrase "less is more," he created buildings of elegant simplicity and functional beauty. His work fundamentally shaped 20th-century architecture through innovative use of steel, glass, and open floor plans.

Mies van der Rohe served as director of the Bauhaus school and later emigrated to the United States, where he continued to influence architectural practice. His iconic structures, including the Barcelona Pavilion and the Farnsworth House, remain celebrated examples of modernist design. His legacy endures as a foundational influence on contemporary architecture and design philosophy.