S.R. Crown Hall, (Chicago, US); 1950-6; Modern architecture and the International Style

The S.R. Crown Hall is a project that located in the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. This project is designed by the German-American Modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1950-56. The project considered to be the finest work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe because he designed the huge rectangular shape two level building with interior space, but without any column support.
The building has satisfied Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s idea” less is more”. For example:
No column in interior to let the space wider and unblock any views. Building load supported by four horizontal huge steel beams with partitions and vertical girders.
The building has concerned to prevent strong wind in the plain meadow, two levels building with trees surrounded the site to change wind direction and preventing the chance of collapse.
The glass has followed the standard regulation and normal wide flange to make the project economical to build. That means the project didn’t create any customize materials to increase the budget.
Simple design, but create much amazing moments to react his idea of “almost nothing”.
The building has set on the plain meadow with trees and with artificial concrete road to show the marvelous moment in landscape.
The forested glass of lower level can avoid the interruption from outdoor. Students can keep focus on their work.
The glass curtains can provide natural light irradiate to interior base on the time in different seasons.
The building measures 220 feet by 120 feet rectangular glass box, every 10 feet of outer wall A steel column interior space is completely without columns, all the space is defined by the low walls of different materials and furniture. The entire building fully reflects the functional first that modernism emphasizes, focusing on practicality, considering economy and efficiency, and adopting new building materials because steel was very advanced in 20th century.
The glass curtain of Crown Hall is 10 feet as part of structure, and add 8 feet glass curtain at the bottom. The lower level divides the glass between the structure by 5 feet. The lower layer is frosted glass. The main interior of the upper floor is covered with venetian blinds. The glass-enclosed space allows sunlight to irradiate the interior directly, and blur the boundaries of the interior and exterior. The condition allows students to enjoy the natural landscape when they work in the place. This space is contrary to the traditional imagination of space and the traditional architecture. The exterior wall cuts off the external relations, but indirectly introduces outdoor elements into the interior. Crown Hall is a classic example of a new building material, new technology, and a new space experience.
The function of the upper level is a huge one classroom, which is occupies around 50% of the total area of the building. The basement level has provided open space for lecture, and lounge. Some functions as library and classroom have separated from open space by glass curtain. Two simple steel staircases connect two levels in the middle of the building. 
 

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