When going
into Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Biulding the change in atmosphere
was clearly experienced in the change of noise. Mainly in its instant meaning
but also in a more visual understanding. The building is calm. Strict and
systematic in its build. You are being met by a flawless atmosphere, every
detail has been thought through, every material carefully picked out, every combination
and meeting without any coincidence. A picture without any noise or
disturbance, only lines and rules in every aspect, from overall surroundings to
the people going in and out and the employees, the guards. As they stand behind
their desks or at the entrances they supplement the experienced atmosphere. Stiff
faces and without notable movement. In this the change in atmosphere from
before and after entering the building is evident.
The street is, as the city
itself, a collage of buildings and spaces. In this area the collage is put
together by elements of the same character. Glass, steel, long coats, polished
shoes, suitcases, the wide alley and march forward without any stops. Hectic but
structured. In the structured the atmosphere of the street and the atmosphere of
the building overlap. At this point the building fits perfectly in the context
as an extension of a certain observation in the build of atmospheres. From this
the extension becomes an atmosphere and space of its own. The noise and
disturbances have been removed and replaced with a calm and fascinating environment.
Yet strict and controlled but warm at the same time. The crossing movement that
you were a part of, without noticing, in the streets becomes clarified in its
absence. By the rotation of the doors the movement and overall city collage is
specified into one simple expression. The vision of the relationship between
context and building, city and visitor is clear, and the change in atmosphere
significant, connected but different.