Ludwig Mies van der Rohe quotes

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a renowned German-American architect, was a pioneer of modernist architecture and contributed significantly to the mid-20th-century architectural movement. Born in 1886, Mies's innovative design philosophy emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the concept of "less is more." Notable for his steel and glass construction, he is best known for iconic masterpieces like the Barcelona Pavilion and the Seagram Building. Mies's elegant, light-filled spaces and his integration of interior and exterior environments have left an indelible mark on contemporary architecture. Explore Mies van der Rohe's groundbreaking work and lasting architectural legacy.

The individual is losing significance; his destiny is no longer what interests us.

- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Never talk to a client about architecture. Talk to him about his children. That is simply good politics. He will not understand what you have to say about architecture most of the time. An architect of ability should be able to tell a client what he wants. Most of the time a client never knows what he wants.

- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

It is better to be good than to be original.

- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

I don't want to be interesting. I want to be good.

- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Architecture is a language. When you are very good, you can be a poet.

- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

No design is possible until the materials with which you design are completely understood.

- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe