Less Is More

Historic Context​

It is essential to know the historic, and architectural context within which any architectural concept or core tenet originated. So, we have curated a brief timeline of the architectural styles and movements prevalent around the time ‘Less is More’ was introduced.

As mentioned before, the phrase ‘Less is More’ was first used in Robert Browning’s poem in 1855, with regards to art. However, it gained popularity in the field of architecture because of the influence of architect Mies van der Rohe in the early 20th century.

Mies embraced Browning’s representation of simplicity in art and applied it to architecture by focusing on minimalist design principles. He sought to reduce architectural forms to their functional essence and eliminate unnecessary ornamentation in the process.

This minimalist approach was also shaped by the technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution, which had introduced new materials such as steel and glass. Before the war, these materials were used in construction and primarily employed in industrial buildings. But the post war era saw architects using these materials more widely in an effort to move away from the traditional, ornate styles.

Mies van der Rohe embraced this shift and began experimenting with modern architectural styles. He aimed to blend technological progress with natural human instincts by connecting indoor and outdoor spaces and shaping a modern aesthetic.

So, who was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe?

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969) was one of the pioneers of modern architecture. He is popular for his minimalist approach, which focused on simple forms, open spaces, and the use of modern materials like steel and glass.

He first worked in his father’s stonemasonry business. Although he did not receive any formal architectural training, he gained his drawing skills through various apprenticeships at local design firms.

In 1905, Mies travelled to Berlin and apprenticed for renowned furniture designer Bruno Paul. He then worked under the influential architect Peter Behrens from 1908 to 1912. During this period, he was introduced to progressive design theories and also worked alongside other famous modernist architects like Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Since Behrens was a key figure in the Deutscher Werkbund, Mies naturally became a member of the German association of craftsmen.

He founded his own architectural firm in Berlin in 1912. His career gained momentum in post World War I Berlin, a hub for leading talents and intellectuals. Mies began developing his signature style through the 1920s. He made his modernist debut with the all glass Friedrichstrasse Skyscraper proposal for Berlin’s first skyscraper competition in 1921. Mies van der Rohe’s philosophy of ‘Less is More’ became central to his architectural approach.

In 1930, he succeeded Hannes Meyer as director of the Bauhaus school, founded by Walter Gropius in the city of Weimar. Mies led the Bauhaus until its closure in 1933 due to political pressure from the Nazi Party. His work gained international recognition when it was featured in the 1932 Museum of Modern Art exhibition on ‘The International Style.’

Mies then emigrated to the United States in 1937. A year later he became the head of the architecture department at the Illinois Institute of Technology (formerly the Armour Institute of Technology) in Chicago. He designed the institute’s new campus, contributing to the development of the ‘Second Chicago School’ of architecture. He taught here until 1958.

In addition to his academic role, Mies maintained an architectural practice in Chicago, designing over a hundred buildings. Although many projects were constrained by World War II construction limits, Mies’s modernist approach received widespread acclaim for its aesthetic clarity and construction efficiency after the war.

Mies van der Rohe’s designs showcased his exceptional skill in minimalist aesthetics, structural clarity, and innovative use of materials. Some of his most famous works include:

• Barcelona Pavilion

• Farnsworth House

• Seagram Building

You may also know the iconic Barcelona chair that he and Lilly Reich designed in 1929. It was made for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition in Barcelona.

Less Is More

In architecture, ‘Less is More’ represents simplicity, minimalism, and the removal of unnecessary ornamentation seen in architectural styles of the past. It reflects Mies van der Rohe’s belief that focusing solely on fundamental elements related to the function of a design can reveal a greater level of refinement and elegance.

Mies’ approach often results in open, uncluttered environments that foster a harmonious relationship between the built space and its occupants. Simplicity is achieved through clean lines and rectilinear shapes. The materials are chosen for their inherent qualities and often left exposed to reveal their beauty. He uses large windows and open floor plans to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, enhancing lightness and connectivity.

It has more to do with how people interact with and experience the space, rather than on unnecessary decorative elements that can complicate the design.

‘Less is More’ prioritises function which is in line with Louis Sullivan’s idea of ‘Form follows Function,’ but diverges from it by rejecting decorative elements altogether. It aligns more closely with Adolf Loos’ principle of ‘Ornament and Crime,’ that advocates for a design stripped of needless ornamentation.

Mies’ Influence

Mies’ minimalist philosophy has greatly shaped modern architecture. His commitment to simplicity, and functional purity marked a significant departure from ornate historical styles. He contributed to the development of the International style.

His ideas have influenced subsequent architectural movements and discourse. For instance, Robert Venturi’s reactionary phrase, ‘Less is a Bore,’ which serves as a critique of Mies’ minimalist approach.

In addition to his architectural practice, Mies van der Rohe made significant contributions to architectural education. His work at the Bauhaus school and the Illinois Institute of Technology allowed him to inspire the next generation of architects.

Mies’ impact is also evident in the widespread adoption and adaptation of his design principles, which can be seen in office buildings and urban spaces around the world.

The ‘Less is More’ concept has also resonated across various creative disciplines, including graphic design and fashion. It has left a profound impact on the way we think about design.

His work has left an enduring mark on both architectural practice and broader design thinking.