What Is the Function of the Walls in the Barcelona Pavilion?

By Alice Nichols

The Barcelona Pavilion is an iconic structure designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. The pavilion is known for its innovative use of materials and minimalist design, which has influenced architects around the world. One of the most striking features of the pavilion is its walls, which serve a variety of functions.

What are the walls made of?

The walls of the Barcelona Pavilion are made of a combination of materials, including glass, marble, and steel. The glass walls provide an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior spaces. The marble panels add texture and contrast to the smooth glass surfaces, while the steel framework provides structural support for the entire building.

What is the function of the walls?

The walls in the Barcelona Pavilion serve several functions that contribute to its overall design and aesthetic appeal. Here are some examples:

1. Spatial division

The walls in the pavilion are strategically placed to create separate areas that serve different functions. For example, there is a rectangular pool outside that is surrounded by a wall on three sides. This pool area serves as a relaxing space where visitors can admire the reflection of sunlight on water.

2. Light manipulation

The glass walls in the pavilion allow natural light to filter into interior spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, Mies van der Rohe used translucent glass for some panels to diffuse light and create a softer glow.

3. Visual continuity

One of Mies van der Rohe’s signature design elements was his use of continuous planes or surfaces throughout his buildings. In the Barcelona Pavilion, this concept is evident in how he treated all four sides equally with glass panels and marble slabs.

4. Material contrast

The combination of glass, marble, and steel in the walls creates a striking contrast between lightness and heaviness, transparency and opacity, and smoothness and texture. This contrast adds depth to the pavilion’s design and makes it visually engaging.

Conclusion

The walls of the Barcelona Pavilion are not only functional but also contribute to the building’s overall aesthetic appeal. The combination of glass, marble, and steel creates a dynamic interplay between lightness and heaviness, transparency and opacity that makes the pavilion a masterpiece of modern architecture.