What Are the Walls of the Barcelona Pavilion Made Of?

The walls of the Barcelona Pavilion, also known as the German Pavilion, are made of a combination of materials that were carefully selected by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This iconic structure, constructed for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain, is renowned for its minimalistic design and innovative use of materials.

Materials Used

Mies van der Rohe chose to use a variety of materials to create the walls of the Barcelona Pavilion. These materials include:

• Marble: The exterior walls of the pavilion are primarily made of marble. This luxurious material gives the building a sense of grandeur and elegance.
• Glass: The pavilion features large glass panels that serve as both windows and walls.

  These transparent surfaces allow natural light to flood into the interior space, creating a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

• Chrome-Plated Steel: Another prominent material used in the construction of the pavilion’s walls is chrome-plated steel. This material was used for the structural framework and supports, giving the building its distinctive modernist aesthetic.

Design Principles

The choice of materials for the walls of the Barcelona Pavilion reflects Mies van der Rohe’s design principles, which emphasized simplicity, functionality, and timeless elegance. The combination of marble, glass, and chrome-plated steel creates a visually striking contrast between solid and transparent elements.

Mies van der Rohe believed that architecture should be free from unnecessary ornamentation or decoration. By using these minimalistic materials, he achieved a sense of purity and clarity in his design.

The Impact

The Barcelona Pavilion is considered one of the most influential buildings of the 20th century. Its innovative use of materials, including the marble walls, glass panels, and steel structure, set a new standard for modern architecture.

Architects and designers continue to draw inspiration from Mies van der Rohe’s design principles and his use of materials. The Barcelona Pavilion serves as a timeless example of how simplicity and careful material selection can create a truly remarkable and enduring architectural masterpiece.

In conclusion, the walls of the Barcelona Pavilion are made primarily of marble, glass, and chrome-plated steel. These materials were chosen for their aesthetic qualities and their ability to embody Mies van der Rohe’s design principles. The combination of these materials creates a visually engaging and iconic structure that continues to inspire architects and designers to this day.