Louis Sullivan, a Chicago architect, is famous for the phrase “form follows function”. However, the function of the building is not just material, it is also symbolic. Therefore, an architect is successful when they portray ideas physically. Louis Le Vau was successful in the creation of Versailles from his conveyance of the idea absolute monarchy. Antoni Gaudi is successful in Sagrada Familia in his depiction of the idea of heaven. Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe is successful in the same way in his creation of the School of Social Service Administration (SSA) for his portrayal of social work.
The building, designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe in the Modernist style, was erected on the campus of the University of Chicago in 1965. The SSA is located …show more content…
Part of the large, single floor, public lobby is separated by dark wood panels. This allows for the lobby to be divided into zones of multiple use yet to still retain its architectural unity. This divided area, full of tables, serves as a reception area for speakers and parties. However, on the relaxed day when I arrived there was a couple on a date at the table across from me and on the other side of the area a student was doing her reading. In the back of the lobby, set apart by a glass wall with steel beams, is the SSA Library. On the East side of the library are desks for reading and studying. On the left are the bookstacks. The back of the building is structurally identical to the facade. However, the back, unlike the front, has …show more content…
The SSA exemplifies these ideas. The broad, open, light expanse of the lobby creates an air of inclusivity. Further, the unhidden nature of the black steel supports makes the building seem honest and unpretentious. The glass of the walls encourages an atmosphere of transparency. In these ways, the structure is created in to optimize and reflect the social work happening inside. In a building like the one created like Mies, all people are equal. There is nowhere to hide and no seat of power to occupy. Additionally, themes of social justice can be seen in the murals and sculpture on the walls of the SSA. The structure physically and metaphorically shines a light on the social issues of
The building, designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe in the Modernist style, was erected on the campus of the University of Chicago in 1965. The SSA is located …show more content…
Part of the large, single floor, public lobby is separated by dark wood panels. This allows for the lobby to be divided into zones of multiple use yet to still retain its architectural unity. This divided area, full of tables, serves as a reception area for speakers and parties. However, on the relaxed day when I arrived there was a couple on a date at the table across from me and on the other side of the area a student was doing her reading. In the back of the lobby, set apart by a glass wall with steel beams, is the SSA Library. On the East side of the library are desks for reading and studying. On the left are the bookstacks. The back of the building is structurally identical to the facade. However, the back, unlike the front, has …show more content…
The SSA exemplifies these ideas. The broad, open, light expanse of the lobby creates an air of inclusivity. Further, the unhidden nature of the black steel supports makes the building seem honest and unpretentious. The glass of the walls encourages an atmosphere of transparency. In these ways, the structure is created in to optimize and reflect the social work happening inside. In a building like the one created like Mies, all people are equal. There is nowhere to hide and no seat of power to occupy. Additionally, themes of social justice can be seen in the murals and sculpture on the walls of the SSA. The structure physically and metaphorically shines a light on the social issues of