The Lost, Last Words of Mies van der Rohe

This book offers a unique collection of conversations with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, revealing his thoughts and character in a way never seen before.

In the summer of 1969, Dirk Lohan, a German-American architect, began recording conversations with his grandfather, the renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. These tapes, captured during the final weeks of Mies's life, hold profound significance as they document some of his last words. Although intended for the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the recordings went missing under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind only an incomplete typescript that serves as a testament to their exchanges.

The Lost, Last Words of Mies van der Rohe presents this typescript in full for the first time, offering readers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of modern architecture's giants. The conversations reveal Mies, known for his reticence, sharing his thoughts on life with an unexpected level of detail, precision, and openness. This new perspective not only highlights his serious and philosophical nature but also showcases his ability to appreciate the lighter, humorous sides of existence.

Accompanied by a foreword from Dirk Lohan and an introductory essay by Fritz Neumeyer, the world’s foremost scholar on Mies, this book enriches the reader's understanding of the architect's development. Neumeyer’s insightful commentary sheds light on Mies's architectural evolution, illustrating how he became one of the most significant figures in 20th-century architecture.