In the world of design, only a few had the power to overcome the ordinary and create remarkable things. Mies van der Rohe, a German-American architect and a pioneer of modern architecture, held this power.

 

His philosophy of Less is More transformed the core of design, uncovering the simplicity and elegance of shape. At Stylish Club, we celebrate his legacy and draw inspiration from his extraordinary projects such as the Seagram Building, as well as his ideals of clean lines, open spaces and elegant simplicity.

 

In this article we will explore the brilliance of Mies van der Rohe and how it reveals itself in His Bookcase, a masterpiece that embodies his minimalist approach and architectural principles.

 

 

The Seagram Building: A Modernist Icon 

 

Among Mies van der Rohe’s most recognizable works is the Seagram Building completed in 1958, in collaboration with Philip Johnson.

 

The Seagram Building is a symbol of modernist architecture, influenced by the unwavering vision of a key figure who understood that the company’s headquarters ought to transcend being just a corporate building; it should be a statement of architectural excellence.

 

Confronting the original designs for a traditional approach, she advocated for an bold new direction, leading to the appointment of two visionary architects, Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, whose expertise in proportion, material quality, and urban aesthetics would transform corporate architecture.

 

 

Its clean lines, the elegant interplay of steel and glass, and the building’s structure all illustrate the basic principles of modernist design. The Seagram Building’s open areas and clear form also illustrate modernism’s architectural principles, which focuses on construction that is practical, effective, and devoid of superfluous ornamentation.

 

The impact of the Seagram Building goes far beyond architecture, inspiring designers across various areas, including product design. The combination of steel and glass in the building has shaped modern architecture, inspiring designers to experiment with new ideas in their own creations.

 

Remaining motivated by the Seagram Building’s commitment to prioritizing form over function to merge functionality and user experience with an elegant, exceptional look.

 

 

His Bookcase

 

His Bookcase represents much more than just a functional storage unit, it is a manifestation of Mies van der Rohe’s design philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the Seagram Building project, the His Bookcase is crafted to be both elegant and practical, providing an ideal harmony of form and function.

 

 

Although the Seagram Building exemplifies the perfect blend of form and functionality, the His Bookcase also represents this union, offering both aesthetic appeal and practicality without superfluous decoration. Its sleek metal frame and glass shelves, together with its simple form and emphasis on geometry and materials, highlight transparency and openness, giving the item a light, discreet, yet elegant feeling.

 

The minimalist design ensures that the bookcase can seamlessly blend into various modern spaces, while serving as a centrepiece that highlights the commitment to craftsmanship and elegance.

 

 

 

Less is more: Mies van der Rohe’s Legacy of Simplicity

 

Mies van der Rohe did not merely leave behind his projects, he also made one of the most enduring contributions to design, impacting not only architecture but also the essence of modern design itself with his principle “Less is More”. This motto served as a principle to simplify design to its fundamental components, removing any superfluous decoration to uncover the essence of form.

 

The main focus of this motto was to allow the materials, structure, and proportions of a design to communicate on their own, producing spaces that exude visual calmness, balance, and timelessness.

 

 

 

At Stylish Club, we reflect this philosophy in each of our designs. Our His Day System and His Night System are excellent representations of minimalist design, where each component was created to prioritize both utility and visual appeal.

The His Day System provides elegant, modern furniture options for current living areas, whereas the His Night System establishes a calm, subtle atmosphere in the bedroom, with both systems crafted with accuracy and minimalism. These items, such as His Bookcase, embody Mies van der Rohe’s minimalist legacy, providing stylish solutions that blend effortlessly into any environment.

 

 

Similar to Mies’s buildings that honour the beauty of simplicity, our products continue this legacy by offering designs that are timeless, functional, and cohesive.