The Barcelona Pavilion, also known as the German Pavilion, is an iconic building that was originally designed by the renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It was built as the German national pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition held in Barcelona, Spain.
Why is the Barcelona Pavilion significant?
The Barcelona Pavilion is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture and one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Its design reflects Mies van der Rohe’s famous quote “less is more,” emphasizing simplicity, clean lines, and open spaces. The use of luxurious materials such as marble, onyx, and travertine adds to its timeless elegance.
The Reconstruction Process
After the exposition ended, the original Barcelona Pavilion was dismantled in 1930. However, due to its architectural significance, there was a growing interest in preserving and reconstructing this iconic building.
In 1983, a group called “Amics del Pavelló de Barcelona” (Friends of the Barcelona Pavilion) initiated a project to rebuild the pavilion as close to its original design as possible. With meticulous research and documentation, they gathered information about the materials used and studied photographs and drawings from various sources.
Reconstruction Timeline
The reconstruction process began in 1983 and took several years to complete. Here is a timeline of key events:
1983:
- The Friends of the Barcelona Pavilion start their research and planning for reconstruction.
1984:
- An international competition is held to select an architectural team for the project.
- A team led by architects Ignasi de Solà-Morales, Cristian Cirici, and Fernando Ramos is chosen.
1985-1986:
- The architects work on the detailed design and construction plans.
- Funding for the project is secured through public and private sources.
1986-1987:
- The Barcelona Pavilion reconstruction begins under the supervision of the selected architectural team.
- The original site is prepared, and the foundations are laid out.
1988-1989:
- The main structure of the pavilion is built, including its iconic glass walls and steel columns.
- Interior finishes and furnishings are carefully recreated based on historical records.
1990:
- The Barcelona Pavilion reconstruction is completed, and it is opened to the public as a museum.
The Legacy of the Barcelona Pavilion Reconstruction
The reconstruction of the Barcelona Pavilion stands as a testament to the commitment to preserving architectural masterpieces. It allows visitors to experience Mies van der Rohe’s vision firsthand and serves as an inspiration for future generations of architects and designers.
In conclusion, The Barcelona Pavilion was reconstructed between 1983 and 1990. This meticulous process aimed to recreate the iconic building as close to its original design as possible. The reconstructed pavilion now serves as a museum, allowing visitors to appreciate Mies van der Rohe’s architectural brilliance.