CIAM 1928-1959
its modern message very directly and in a straightforward manner. A major CIAM concept was to start enforcing simplistic forms in architecture, which is exactly how the Seagram Building first generated. Mies conceptualized it as a simple, tall block, rather than a complex form with extensive detailed work. Its structural framework was amongst the new construction methods at the time, giving off more of a free flowing concept with easier visual access between the public and the private spaces. The Seagram Building used a skin and bone effect with minimal framework as well as a new cladding system of curtain walls to convey the simplistic and modern concepts aesthetically from the exterior 5. Mies chose to work with easier materials of transparent features to show this intention. The cladding material was more of a modern material that contrasted the marble pavement of the outdoor plaza. The relationship between the building and the open space surrounding it represents a ‘less is more’ CIAM concept. The plaza was able to play an important role in the bulk of the building, limiting the city’s congestion of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This formed constraints in particular movements that occured in and around the building. The open plaza demonstrates a very simplistic approach to space management that allows the showcasing of the tall building from better and further viewpoints. The plaza gives depth to the site, helping reduce its direct connection to the street. If we were to compare the Seagram building to its neighboring buildings (at the time), we would say that all the buildings had a direct relation to the streets, with the buildings’ footprints taking up as much space on their sites as possible. CIAM categorized tall buildings of a dense character in 144
Figure 4 - Represents the contextual relationship between the Seagram building and its plaza with the rest of Manhattan’s urban setting and skyline; offset relationship of the plaza with the road and the simplistic cubic form of the Seagram Building in relation to the ziggurat-like masses surrounding it.
order for it to be a good solution for dwelling and office habitation, as it increases open space at the ground level, creating a less congested city. The Seagram Building encouraged CIAM principles such as the improvement of light and air within the city in order to build a healthier living space. It also promoted open green spaces between tall dense buildings to encourage the collaboration of different activities. The plaza brought on and influenced later zoning by laws to encourage the use of plazas and to introduce more open spaces on the ground level. Zoning was renewed in response to this new CIAM principle. Mies was able to think ahead and consider future approaches to city design. The Seagram Building was of such great power that it brought about change; change in how architecture can be perceived as a whole, and
how it plays a role contextually in the Manhattan urban setting. It rapidly came to be recognized as a fast growing concept of change, making the CIAM movement of great success at the time, bringing about modern ideology to a more technologically advanced age. CONCLUSION The Seagram Building achieved great importance historically in architecture and urban planning, becoming a monumental figure that many looked up to as a great exemplar. It is a very successful building, changing many design innovations and contextual characteristics. It defined positive and negative space on a given land area within Manhattan’s urban context. It was able to stand out from the contemporary and repetitive