Graz Outdoor Planter

Fundamentals of Form

A simple clay brick became something extraordinary in the hands of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Between 1928 and 1930, he designed Haus Lange and Haus Esters for two textile industrialists, Hermann Lange and Josef Esters. Located in Krefeld, Germany, these neighboring residences are icons of modernist architecture, blending van der Rohe’s uncompromising precision with a warmth rarely associated with his work. The brick-built houses – a departure from the steel and glass palette with which they would later become synonymous – were conceived as frames to showcase contemporary art.

Constructed in dark red and brown brick, the buildings are enclosed from the front but pierced from the back with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the surrounding gardens. The nuanced texture of the brick creates a sense of depth, while the delicate interplay of light on their surfaces changes throughout the day. These design details were conscious choices inspired by van der Rohe’s belief that “less is more” – a philosophy that focuses on clarity, structure and material integrity.

For Domani, this environment represents a dialog between our collections reflecting the earthy tones and textures of brick, creating a natural resonance between architecture and object. The presence of the pots brings a softer dimension, creating a quiet balance to the structured precision of Van der Rohe’s design.