Photographing the German Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe
German Pavilion in Barcelona by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Architectural Photography – The Art of Capturing Design
2. A Brief History of the German Pavilion
3. Photographing the German Pavilion
4. Architectural Photography Techniques
5. Did you know…
6. Get in Touch
Introduction: Architectural Photography – The Art of Capturing Design
Capturing architecture is about more than taking a photo. It’s more than just photographic technical knowledge; it’s about revealing the soul of a building, the designer’s vision and communicating a 3D reality in a 2D format. For architectural photography buyers, architects, and those in hotel and industrial design, images that bring out both beauty and functionality are essential.
In this article, I’ll take you through my process of photographing one of the world’s most iconic structures, the German Pavilion in Barcelona by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. You’ll see why I love this building and how I approached photographing it. When you’ve finished reading about it, why not look at the video I made…
A Brief History of the German Pavilion: A Modernist Icon
The German Pavilion, also known as the Barcelona Pavilion, was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. This structure is the benchmark of modernist design, with its "less is more" philosophy. Built to symbolise Germany’s post-war progressiveness, the Pavilion was intended as a temporary structure but made such an impact that it was reconstructed in 1986. The building you see today is based on historical drawings and the original footings of the site. Mies van der Rohe created the pavilion to actually be the exhibit, rather than a space for exhibits to be shown within. The concept was for visitors to flow through the whole space, and by using walls within the building, visitors had no choice but to flow around the exhibit, rather than walking from A to B.
With its open floor plan, flowing lines, and innovative use of materials—steel, glass, and marble—the Pavilion doesn’t just represent architectural history; it represents a movement that redefined spaces in a modern world. Capturing an icon like this in photographs requires an understanding of the subtleties in form, light, and texture.
Photographing the German Pavilion
I have always loved modernism and minimalism. Clean flowing spaces calm me, they inspire me. I love the open accessible flow of galleries, while in nature, I’m never happier than sitting on a shoreline watching the sea. Sea, horizon, sky. Bliss.
Capturing the German Pavilion therefore was an incredible opportunity to engage with a masterpiece that has influenced countless architects and designers. For me, photographing it was about highlighting both its precision and its simplicity. As a photographer, this building has many points of interest. From its cantilevered roof and water features, to the exotic materials used for the construction. Here’s how I approached this piece of architectural royalty:
* Get There Early: The German Pavilion is a tourist attraction. If I wanted the clean shots that I did, I’d need to be there before the public turned up. I arrived before sunrise to scout my shot positions and worked through the exterior shot list while the park was quiet.
* Scale: The German Pavilion may be a sleek modernist design, but its scale is deceiving. For the wide-angle capture of the entire building, I incorporated the security guard strolling across the courtyard to show scale and interaction.
* Natural Light: The Pavilion’s interplay with natural light is integral to its design. By starting to make images from first light, I could capture not only how the light filters through glass walls and reflects off marble surfaces, but also the angular shadows cast by the many surfaces that shift with each hour.
* Finding Unique Angles: The German Pavilion is celebrated for its symmetry and balance. To showcase its precise design, I looked for angles that would best reveal its clean lines and open spaces. Details like the Onyx wall and the Barcelona chairs and ottoman must also be included so I incorporate tight detail shots and minimal compositions.
* Reflections and Transparency: Mies van der Rohe incorporated reflections into the Pavilion’s design through glass walls and water features. I emphasised these elements in my photos. Dappled reflections from the early morning sun play on the cantilevered roofline from the reflecting pool and the bronze reproduction of Alba, or Dawn by Georg Kolbe is lit by the reflections of her own pool within the design.
Techniques for Exceptional Architectural Photography
Bringing architecture to life through photography requires technical skill and artistic vision. Here are some key techniques I used in photographing the German Pavilion—and which I bring to every architectural project:
1. Precision in Composition - Every structure has an ideal perspective that highlights its lines, balance, and flow. For the German Pavilion, I chose compositions that underscore its minimalist geometry and emphasise Mies van der Rohe’s intention to create a feeling of openness and flow within defined boundaries.
2. Mastering Light and Shadow - Light is one of the most powerful tools in architectural photography, shaping the viewer’s perception of form and texture. By starting at first light, I was able to capture the Pavilion’s many moods—from soft almost glowing walls to crisp angular shadow contrasts. This approach helps to showcase different dimensions of the structure, making it feel dynamic and alive.
3. Details That Tell a Story - Sometimes, the smallest details—like the smooth face of a stone surface or the iconic Barcelona Chair designed specifically for the Pavilion—speak volumes about the space. By isolating these elements, I captured the craftsmanship that brings both historical and aesthetic value to the Pavilion. Each image allows the viewer to appreciate the materials, textures, and meticulous design.
4. Using Reflections for Depth and Movement - The Pavilion’s pool and glass panels create layered reflections, merging the boundaries between inside and outside. By capturing these reflections, I added a sense of depth and movement to the images, making them feel immersive. This approach is not only visually compelling but also communicates the Pavilion’s integration with its environment—a key aspect of its design philosophy.
Did you know…
The German Pavilion is a cornerstone of modernist architecture. Mies van der Rohe’s minimalist approach, combined with innovative materials like glass, steel, and marble, helped shape modern architectural trends. When it was built, its open layout and focus on transparency and reflection made it a uniquely dynamic space.
The Pavilion features the Barcelona Chair and ottoman, pieces designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich specifically for the space. This iconic chair epitomises modernist furniture design with its sleek lines and luxurious materials, becoming a symbol of 20th-century style. The designs are so iconic, that they are still in production today, almost 100 years from its original concept.
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to elevate your architectural or industrial project with impactful photography, let’s connect. My approach blends technical expertise with an eye for design, capturing spaces in ways that engage and inspire. To discuss your next project, reach out to me at:
