Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969) was a German-American architect and furniture designer who is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern architecture. He is famous for his minimalist, elegant designs and his aphorisms, such as “less is more” and “God is in the details”. His quotes often emphasize the importance of simplicity and functionality in design, and many of his quotes have become iconic in the world of modern architecture. Some of his most famous quotes include: “I don’t want to be interesting. I want to be good”, “Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space”, and “Architecture begins where engineering ends”. Mies van der Rohe’s quotes reflect his belief in the power of simplicity and functionality in design, and they continue to inspire architects and designers today.
50 Best Mies Van Der Rohe Quotes
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“God is in the details.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Less is more.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“I don’t want to be interesting. I want to be good.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“An idea is salvation by imagination.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the art of how to waste space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“I don’t want to be a genius, I have enough problems just trying to be a man.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“I don’t want to be interesting. I want to be good.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The details are not details. They make the design.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the crystallization of the spirit of the epoch.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“God is in the details.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“It is better to be good than to be original.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The possibilities of constructive creation are limited only by the imagination of the architect.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The most important element of a structure is not its elements but the space between them.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“A house is a machine for living in.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The present-day builder thinks of ornament first and construction afterwards.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“I don’t want to be interesting. I want to be good.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The two basic elements of architecture are construction and composition.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The industrial revolution brought about an environment that was not conducive to human life.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Space and light and order. Those are things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is a science arising out of many other sciences, and adorned with much and varied learning.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The details are not details. They make the product.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the art of how to waste space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The most important thing is to be in the right proportion.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The end is inherent in the beginning.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The modern architect has to be a technician, an esthete and an economist.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
-
“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture begins where engineering ends.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is a social act and the material elaboration of it.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“It is better to be good than to be original.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The modern architect is equipped with a knowledge of materials, technology and construction methods, as well as an understanding of the social and economic realities of our time.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The singular beauty of a building lies in the integrity of its design.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“The architect must be a prophet… a prophet in the true sense of the term… if he can’t see at least ten years ahead don’t call him an architect.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.”
– Mies van der Rohe
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“God is in the details.”
– Mies van der Rohe
Conclusion
Mies van der Rohe’s quotes are an inspiration to architects, designers and artists all around the world. His words are a reminder to appreciate the beauty of architecture, be it modern or traditional, and to always strive for excellence in design. He also emphasized the importance of simplicity and the need to keep a clear focus on the task at hand. His timeless quotes remind us to keep pushing forward, no matter what disciplines we may be in.
