July 8 is the birthdate of architect Philip Johnson. With his thick, round-framed glasses, he was the most recognizable figure in American architecture for many years. His early work was characterized by the use of glass, and his masterpiece was the Glass House (1949), which he designed as his own residence, set in a private landscape in New Canaan, CT, with views as its “walls.” It is now a historic landmark. The transparent, minimalist design was influenced by Johnson’s mentor, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Johnson died in the Glass House (pictured) in 2005 at age 98.
No comments:
Post a Comment