Less is More

“Less is more” is famously the motto of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969). The idea is to reduce design to its necessary elements. Less famously, Mies picked up the phrase from his teacher, architect Peter Behrens, in Berlin around 1910. Behrens is considered to be the first industrial designer. In the 1930’s Mies… Continue reading Less is More

Minneapolis Modernism

Took delivery of furniture, including this bench for our entry. I love the asymmetry and the playfulness. It’s built from a 1939 design by Ralph Rapson (1914-2008), Minneapolis modernism architect. It looks ready to rack, but it’s actually extraordinarily solid.

Rail Shed

Wandered through open doors at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel. The hotel has recently opened this lovely event space in the former rail shed of the Milwaukee Road Depot. The chimneys vented smoke from steam locomotives.

Former Cream of Wheat Headquarters

Walked to a Home Depot to choose picture hangers and drywall anchors. On the way, stopped to enjoy the 1928 Art Moderne former Cream of Wheat headquarters and factory, now condos.

Don’t Touch the Concrete

Last week my partner and I walked along a Chicago residential street to Wrightwood 659, a brand new exhibition space designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando.  The Antithesis  The previous day, a wonderful volunteer docent, an elderly woman, went silent when I said that Ando walks on water. Maybe I had offended her religious sensibilities,… Continue reading Don’t Touch the Concrete

Wrightwood 659

Visited Chicago’s Wrightwood 659, a new exhibition space designed by Tadao Ando. The current installation showcases Ando and Le Corbusier, an early influence on Ando. In one gallery, models built by Ando’s students of Le Corbusier’s designs, are displayed in chronological order.