OPEN SPACE
The Edith Farnsworth House, tucked away in Plano, Illinois, stands as a classic example of modernist design and one of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s most iconic works. Designed between 1945 and 1951, the house was commissioned by Dr. Edith Farnsworth, a Chicago-based physician and intellectual, as a weekend retreat along the Fox River. The minimalist, single-room structure is elevated on stilts and constructed with steel, glass, and travertine, creating a transparent pavilion that blurs the boundary between nature and shelter. With its open plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Farnsworth House exemplifies Mies’s “less is more” philosophy, emphasizing purity of form and honesty of materials.
Inside, the house maintains an understated elegance. Warm wood panels conceal functional elements like storage and wardrobes, while the single freestanding core encloses the bathroom and kitchen services. The furnishings were originally sparse and carefully selected, designed to complement the serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the landscape. Though admired today as a masterpiece, the house’s early days were marked by controversy and legal disputes between Mies and Farnsworth, who criticized the house’s livability and cost overruns. Nevertheless, the design became an enduring icon of International Style architecture and remains a classic example of Mies’s vision for the modern domestic space.
In 2003, the National Trust for Historic Preservation stepped in and took ownership. Today, the Farnsworth House is open to the public, offering guided tours and events that allow visitors to experience one of modern architecture’s most iconic pieces up close. It’s a peaceful and beautiful space that continues to inspire architects and design enthusiasts worldwide. The site hosts seasonal programming, including sunset tours, art exhibitions, and even yoga sessions on the lawn, all aimed at connecting visitors with the house and its surroundings. With its serene setting and thoughtful preservation, the Farnsworth House offers a unique glimpse into the roots of modernist design, remaining as impactful and tranquil today as when it was built.
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Book your visit to the Edith Farnsworth House today: https://edithfarnsworthhouse.org/visit/
Film: Mick Aure @miccck
Producer: Elias Tebache @socalarchitecture
Music: Deep Al Brindle @DeepAlBrindle
Photography: @OpenSpaceSeries
Special thanks: Scott Mehaffey & the team at @edithfarnsworthhouse
