Uncovering the Beauty and Legacy of the Barcelona Pavilion

Introduction

Figure 1. The Barcelona Pavilion. (Jezyk, 2017)

The Barcelona Pavilion, also known as the German Pavilion, was designed by the renowned
German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 International Exposition in
Barcelona, Spain. The building is considered one of the most iconic examples of modern
architecture, and its influence can still be seen in contemporary architecture today. The
pavilion was commissioned by the German government to serve as the official German
representation at the exposition. Mies van der Rohe was chosen to design the pavilion due
to his reputation as a leading figure in the modernist movement. He was tasked with
creating a building that would showcase the latest advances in technology and design, and
that would reflect the progressive spirit of the German nation
(Architectuul, 2023) (Bianchinni, 2022)

The pavilion was designed with a minimalist aesthetic, featuring clean lines, and a lack of
ornamentation which were heavily influenced by the principles of minimalism and
functionalism, and were central to the modernist movement. He sought to create a building
that was simple, elegant, and unadorned, with a focus on the use of materials and
construction techniques. Another striking feature was its use of marble, steel, and glass, and
four types of stones created a sense of lightness and transparency. The result was a building
that was both highly functional and visually striking. The Pavilion was supposed to
accommodate the official reception of the Kings of Spain Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia
along with the German authorities. (Fundació Mies van der Rohe, 2023)

Interior Architecture Style

 Figure 2. The German Pavilion in Barcelona. (Rohe, 2022)

Mies developed a formulaic grid system for the pavilion which not only serves as the
patterning of the travertine pavers but it also the underlying framework that the wall
systems work within. The whole complex stands on a 1.3-meter-high ground which seems
like an elevated terrace. There are two main buildings and they have a rectangular building
with a flat roof, measuring approximately 29 meters by 58 meters. It is constructed of a
steel frame with glass walls and marble cladding. The building is divided into two main parts:
the entrance hall, which is covered by a transparent glass roof, and the main hall, which is
open to the sky. The entrance hall serves as the main entrance to the pavilion, and it leads
to the main hall through a series of marble-clad steps. (Bianchinni, 2022) (Kroll, 2023)

Figure 3. Marble Cladding. (Lusiardi, 2022)

The main hall is the most striking feature of the pavilion. It is an open space that is
surrounded by a series of marble-clad columns, which support the roof. The columns are
arranged in a grid pattern, creating a sense of order and symmetry. The floor is made of
white marble, and it is slightly elevated above the surrounding ground, creating the illusion
of a floating platform. The walls are made of clear glass, which allows natural light to flood
the space. (Bianchinni, 2022)
 Figure 4. The Pool. (Lulko, 2022)

One of the most striking features of the Barcelona Pavilion is its use of water as an
architectural element. Mies designed two pools. A larger one was placed near the building
entrance to “mirror” the pavilion and further emphasize its visual lightness; second pool,
which is more "private", is located at the eastern end of the complex. It creates a sense of
calm and serenity. The water also serves to emphasize the clean lines and simple forms of
the building. The pavilion also features a central water feature, which was designed to
provide a cooling effect in the hot Spanish climate. (Bianchinni, 2022)

Sculpture

Figure 5. Standing Sculpture. (Jezyk, 2022)

A bronze sculpture made by Georg Kolbe, a contemporary of Mies van der Rohe is
beautifully placed at the one end of the smaller pool. As a result, the sculpture is reflected
not only in water, but also in marble and glass, giving the impression of multiplication in the
space while contrasting with the geometric aspects of the building. (Fundació Mies van der
Rohe, 2023)
 Furniture

Figure 6. The Furniture. (Wang, 2022)

The same concept of minimalism is carried on to the prestigious furniture specially designed
for the building which included the iconic Barcelona chair. Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich
designed a chair, especially for the Pavilion, made of the highest quality leather upholstered
metallic profile that has become so popular over the years that it has become an icon of
modern design. The Barcelona chair, in fact, is still manufactured and sold in the market
today. (Fundació Mies van der Rohe, 2023) (Architectuul, 2023)

Colors
The pavilion features a white color scheme that is used throughout the entire structure and
is prominent in the walls, columns, and floors. The white walls are complemented by the
marble flooring, which is inlaid with a brownish-orange pattern. The walls and columns are
further accented with thin strips of black, which contrast with the white of the walls and add
a sense of depth and texture.The overall effect is a timeless and sophisticated design that is
still admired today.The colors of the Barcelona Pavilion are not just aesthetically pleasing,
but also serve a practical purpose. The white walls and columns help to reflect light and
create a bright and airy atmosphere, while the grey marble flooring adds warmth and
texture to the interior. The thin black lines add contrast and depth, while the brownish-
orange pattern works to highlight the green marble and add an extra layer of visual interest.
The colors of the Barcelona Pavilion create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere that is
both calming and inspiring. (Kroll, 2023)
 Materials

Figure 7. [Photo] The German Pavilion in Barcelona by Mies van der Rohe.
https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/the-german-pavilion-in-barcelona-by-mies-van-der-
rohe/

The Pavilion is renowned for its use of materials, which include travertine, marble, onyx, and
glass. Travertine was used for the flooring and staircases, while marble was used for the
walls and columns. Onyx was used for the window frames, and glass was used for the walls
and roof. The materials used for the Pavilion were carefully chosen for their aesthetic
qualities, as well as their durability. The travertine, marble, and onyx create a luxurious
atmosphere, while the glass roof allows natural light to flood into the space. The materials
were also chosen to be able to withstand the elements and to last for years to come. The
use of these materials has made the Barcelona Pavilion one of the most influential and
recognizable structures of the modernist movement. (Artincontext, 2022)

Approach
In the Barcelona Pavilion, Mies created a synthesis of modernist design principles,
emphasizing minimalism and abstraction. He sought to create a space that would be free of
ornamentation, one that would be unified by its use of simple, geometric forms. He also
sought to emphasize the relationship between the structure and its surroundings through
the use of open-plan design and transparent materials. His approach was to create a sense
of continuity between the building and its environment, allowing the pavilion to blend with
the gardens and trees that surrounded it. The result was a building that was both timeless
and modern, a structure that could be appreciated for its aesthetic beauty as well as its
functional purpose. The Barcelona Pavilion has since become a symbol of modernist
architecture, and an example of how architecture can be used to create an experience of
beauty and serenity. (Artincontext, 2022)

Refrences;
1.Arichitectuul (2023) Barcelona Pavilion.https://architectuul.com/architecture/barcelona-
pavilion.
2. Bianchinni, R. (2022, September 6) The German Pavilion in Barcelona by Mies van der
Rohe. Inexhibit. https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/the-german-pavilion-in-barcelona-
by-mies-van-der-rohe/
3. Fundació Mies van der Rohe (2023) Pavilion. https://miesbcn.com/the-pavilion/
4.Kroll, A. (2023) AD Classics: Barcelona Pavilion / Mies van der Rohe. Arch Daily.
https://www.archdaily.com/109135/ad-classics-barcelona-pavilion-mies-van-der-rohe
5. Artincontext (2022, October 17) Barcelona Pavilion – A Quick Barcelona Pavilion Analysis.
https://artincontext.org/barcelona-pavilion/
6. Jezyk, M. (2017, March 3) The Barcelona Pavilion [Photo] LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE
BARCELONA PAVILION. https://divisare.com/projects/338931-ludwig-mies-van-der-rohe-
maciej-jezyk-barcelona-pavilion
7. Rohe, F, M. (2022) The German Pavilion in Barcelona. [Photo] The German Pavilion in
Barcelona by Mies van der Rohe. https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/the-german-
pavilion-in-barcelona-by-mies-van-der-rohe/
8. Lusiardi, F. (2022) The Marble Cladding. [Photo] The German Pavilion in Barcelona by
Mies van der Rohe. https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/the-german-pavilion-in-
barcelona-by-mies-van-der-rohe/
9. Lulko, M. (2022) The Pool. [Photo] The German Pavilion in Barcelona by Mies van der
Rohe. https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/the-german-pavilion-in-barcelona-by-mies-
van-der-rohe/
10. Jezyk, M. (2017, March 3) Standing Sculpture [Photo] LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE
BARCELONA PAVILION. https://divisare.com/projects/338931-ludwig-mies-van-der-rohe-
maciej-jezyk-barcelona-pavilion
11. Wang, K. (2022) The Furniture. [Photo] The German Pavilion in Barcelona by Mies van
der Rohe. https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/the-german-pavilion-in-barcelona-by-
mies-van-der-rohe/
12. [Photo] The German Pavilion in Barcelona by Mies van der Rohe.
https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/the-german-pavilion-in-barcelona-by-mies-van-der-
rohe/