Project 1.2 Farnsworth Case Study

The Farnsworth House

Team Charm: Jack Dempsey Trevor Adams

Prof. Marcarelli (B. Arch). Design 2

Table of Contents:

1. History 2. Client & Architect Relations 3. Philosophy: “less is more” 4. Design Elements 5. Characteristics

9. Plan View 10. Axonometric View 11. Spatial Arrangement 12. Section 19. Conclusion

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History Location - 14520 River Rd, Plano, IL 60545 The house is located 100 ft from the Fox River Architect -Mies van der Rohe 1st American Home Client – Dr. Edith Farnsworth The House was built as an escape from her demanding job a nephrologist in Chicago

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Client & Architect Relations Edith was both a client and a patron, and she played an active role in the design of her house

Mies van der Rohe

Edith Farnsworth campaign Illegdged affair Court case suing for unpaid construction costs led her into paying $33,872 more than the original price upon which they had agreed in 1949.

Farnsworth alleged that the architect for malpractice (no storage, greenhouse effect)

Dr. Edith Farnsworth

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"LESS IS MORE"

Philosophy The Farnsworth house seems straightforward but, in reality, intentionally all simplicity Every physical element is reduced to its essence proving simple elegant functionality Mies is regarded as a fussy perfection and didn't stop minimizing The Farnsworth House until nature was able to take center stage

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Design Elements The House is painted white as a juxtaposition to the landscape it resides within.

8 Steel I-Beams provide the support for the structure while also allowing for flood compensation due to river proximity. The beams raise the house 5 feet from the ground in an attempt to provide ample height for water rising from the Fox River.

The surrounding glass facade is a choice to allow a stronger relationship to nature.

A large unobstructed porch allows for a connection to the world while limiting seclusion.

An open-concept floor plan was used to allow for a free-spirited living style and to oppose the structure of Doctor Farnsworth's rigorous life The structure does not offer adequate storage apparatuses due to its vacation home design.

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Characteristics The House is entirely encased in Glass Without any walls or dividing spaces, the open-concept floor plan thrives A centrally located bathroom is the only secluded space with walls A dense natural landscape allows for a deeper connection between residents and nature A large sitting porch is meant to act as an adaptable space for parties or relaxation With less material, a clean sophisticated feel is achieved The structure hardly impedes the landscape and flows with elevation changes

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Plan Views

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Axonometric View

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Spatial Arrangement

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Section

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Conclusion The Farnsworth House is an extremely important historical monument to the school of thought presented by van de Rohe. It stands as a monument to the minimalistic approach and challenges all previous ideologies of privacy and freedom. The beauty lies within its simplicities, yet its complexities lay hidden between its vibrant exterior.

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