Mies In London [Hardcover]

Mies van der Rohe's only design for the UK, a bronze tower and grand plaza in the heart of London, was scuppered due to popular opinion, Prince Charles' criticism, and government fears of new public spaces. Mies in London is the first book on this remarkable project, with 160 pages of unseen material.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: REAL

Mies van der Rohe's only design for the UK, a bronze tower and grand plaza in the heart of London, was a monumental project that faced numerous challenges and ultimately failed to materialize. After decades of struggle, Mies' plans for Mansion House Square were scuppered in the 1980s, when Margaret Thatcher's government prioritized economic growth over cultural heritage. The project was met with widespread criticism, with Prince Charles even criticizing the work. An inquiry was launched, and the project was mired in controversy. Despite its failure, Mies' masterpiece was all but erased.

Mies in London is the first book on this remarkable project, with 160 pages of unseen material. The book explores the history of the project, the architectural design, and the political and social context in which it was conceived. It also includes interviews with those involved in the project, including Mies himself, as well as architects, historians, and critics.

One of the key challenges faced by Mies' design was the site itself. Mansion House Square was a small, triangular-shaped plot of land in the heart of London's financial district. The site was surrounded by tall buildings, and Mies' design called for a tower that would be over 1,000 feet tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world. The tower was to be surrounded by a grand plaza, which would be used for public events and as a gathering place for the city's residents.

Despite the challenges, Mies' design was innovative and visionary. The tower was designed to be a symbol of modernity and progress, with a sleek, minimalist design that would contrast with the traditional architecture of the surrounding buildings. The plaza was designed to be a public space that would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status or income.

However, the project faced numerous obstacles. One of the biggest challenges was the cost. The tower was estimated to cost over $1 billion to build, and the government was reluctant to provide funding. This led to a series of delays and cost overruns, which eventually led to the project's cancellation.

Another challenge was the political and social context in which the project was conceived. Margaret Thatcher's government was focused on economic growth and deregulation, and they saw modernism as a threat to traditional values. This led to a backlash against modernism, and the government was reluctant to support projects that were seen as too avant-garde.

Despite these challenges, Mies' design remained influential. The tower and plaza were designed to be a symbol of modernity and progress, and they have inspired many other architects and designers. The tower's design has been used in many other buildings around the world, and the plaza has become a popular gathering place for the city's residents.

In conclusion, Mies van der Rohe's only design for the UK, a bronze tower and grand plaza in the heart of London, was a monumental project that faced numerous challenges and ultimately failed to materialize. Despite its failure, Mies' masterpiece was all but erased. Mies in London is the first book on this remarkable project, with 160 pages of unseen material. The book explores the history of the project, the architectural design, and the political and social context in which it was conceived. It also includes interviews with those involved in the project, including Mies himself, as well as architects, historians, and critics.

Weight: 1170g
Dimension: 231 x 308 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780993547478