Before Phillip Johnson’s Glass House and the lucid frenzy that ensued (not to mention the one presently taking place in New York), there was the Farnsworth House. Arguably Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s most famous structure and a beloved National Historic Landmark, the Farnsworth House set the standard for pared down, minimalist style that continues to beguile and influence architects and designers to this day.
So it is with great sadness that I report that this icon of the modernist movement is currently in a state of distress as the result of the residual flooding from Hurricane Ike in mid-September, when flood waters rose nearly two feet above the top deck and seeped into the building. The Farnsworth House, which is located in Plano, Illinois, suffers from severe flood damage.
According to a press liaison at Landmarks Illinois, they have already estimated a $90,000 revenue loss from the house’s closure, and the damage to the building and grounds has yet to be calculated. Fortunately, a recovery effort is already in full swing. If you’re interested in donating to the Farnsworth House recovery effort, please click here.
Photo courtesy of Landmarks Illinois.
6 Comments
Thanks for the pic. Sad, very sad.
Hey, wasn’t the Glass House built in 1949, before the Farnsworth?
It looks like the Farnsworth House was started before the Glass House but wasn’t actually completed until after. I guess it’s a toss up.
Let me clarify the confusion: Every student of architecture–like the very first day of school–is taught that the Farnsworth House is the original glass house. Philip Johnson was so impressed with Mies–today Miesan is a common adjective used to describe buildings designed in the minimalist International Style–and the Farnsworth House that he built his own and others followed. suit. The Farnsworth House was designed and constructed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe between 1945-51. Architect and critic Philip Johnson began his own Glass House in 1947.
As I learned it, the basic concept for Johnson’s glass house was borrowed from Mies van der Rohe, who was designing the glass-and-steel Farnsworth House during the same period.
where can i get the house plan of philip jonnsons glass house , and his design concept , and his design intention . – architectural student
Solid post – Hope to definitely visit again.