Villa Müller, (Prague), 1930, Modern
Villa Müller
Villa Müller is a home built in Prauge for a doctor a his family. It was designed by Architect Adolf Loos based on his concept of “Raumplan”, and is known to be his best example of this design tactic. The Raumplan design was based on the idea that spaces do not need to be defined solely by walls, and that both ceiling height and floor level can be strategically manipulated to create interesting and connected spaces that maintain distinct boundaries. The variation in height was based on the idea that the level of privacy a room needs, should be directly related to height of the ceiling; meaning, a more private space would have a lower ceiling, and a more public space would have a higher ceiling. Special considerations were also taken when designing the program. Rooms that were related were not only easily accessible to each other, but also shared strategic sight lines. With the use of columns and knee walls, the rooms were laid out so standing in one room, one would be able to have angled views into other related rooms creating a visual connection.
By avoiding the standard floor plan layout comprised of full-span floor levels, Loos was able to arrange the program such that they were placed adjacent to each other at 1:2 and 1:3 ratios. To that effect, Loos states: “My architecture is not conceived in plans, but in spaces (cubes). I do not design floor plans, facades, sections. I design spaces. For me, there is no ground floor, first floor etc.... For me, there are only contiguous, continual spaces, rooms, anterooms, terraces etc. Stories merge and spaces relate to each other. Every space requires a different height: the dining room is surely higher than the pantry, thus the ceilings are set at different levels. To join these spaces in such a way that the rise and fall are not only unobservable but also practical, in this I see what is for others the great secret, although it is for me a great matter of course”. That being said, this blending of spaces and manipulation of ceiling and floor heights, can be found not only in the rooms spatial relationship to each other, but internally as well. The boudoir for example, is a bi-level space, with a platform that has steps leading down to the sleeping area which is additionally defined by a knee-wall, and stairs adjacent that lead to a raised
seating area. What is a curious contrast, however, is
the exterior relation to such a complex and strategic interior.
The Villa Müller has a clean-lines, white painted concrete façade, a flat roof and terraces, with seemingly irregularly placed windows, and an overall cubic form. His intention was to create a boundary between the public outside, and the private interior spaces, by designing a form that was not revealing of the interior development of spaces. To this effect he says “The building should be dumb outside and only reveal wealth inside”.
In 1908, Adolf Loos wrote an essay titled “Ornament and Crime”, a manifesto in which he explains his perception of ornamentation in architecture. He believes ornament has no place in the design of quality structures, and that it should remain a pleasure of those who are “less-fortunate" because they are unable to acquire the true luxuries of the wealth. He goes on to say that the richness of a structure should be expressed in the materials, by using rich or unique materials to create a luxurious space. The interior surfaces of the Müller house are clad in many exotic finishes, such as pear tree wood, lemon tree wood, mahogany wood and cipollino marble.
The construction of the Villa Müller was a great accomplishment in the career of Adolf Loos. He was able to materialize to perfection, his personal manifesto, which is no small feat in architecture. His concept of Raumplan was innovative and was an architectural milestone for the industry. Today, Villa Müller serves as a museum.
Bibliography:
Van Duzer, Leslie, et al. Villa Müller : A Work of Adolf Loos. New York : Princeton University Press, [1994]
Bibliography:
Van Duzer, Leslie, et al. Villa Müller : A Work of Adolf Loos. New York : Princeton University Press, [1994]
https://www.1stdibs.com/blogs/the-study/adolf-loos-villa-muller/
http://architectuul.com/architecture/villa-muller
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