Business Complex

The cool and elegant building usually known as the "Barcelona Pavilion", an icon of 20th century modernist architecture, was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as the German Pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona. As is often the way with exhibition buildings, it was demolished the following year, but was rebuilt in 1959 to the original design.

A prime example of "minimalism" in modern design, the Barcelona Pavilion utilises brushed steel posts and partition walls of travertine, marble, onyx and glass accented by a reflecting pool. The use of open space and perpendicular translucent panes make for an open, relaxing and visually soothing environment. One critic commented that "the viewer could walk more or less endlessly, without ever being stopped in a cubical area", adding that the open plan gave an "intimation of infinite freedom of movement".

Mies van der Rohe was a pioneering master within the modernist architecture movement, and his influence can be clearly seen in any metropolitan city. He called his buildings "skin and bones" architecture, and used simplicity and clarity in designing many structures with steel frames and glass panels, emphasizing open space and structural order.

Historically, forms supporting detailed classical revival styles were vilified after World War I, being seen as a failure of the imperial regimes of Europe. Boldly abandoning all adornment and ornamentation, he proposed an all glass skyscraper in 1921, cementing his influence for future architectural designs.

Some have described Mies van der Rohe's work as "the embrace of rationalism in the modern age", just as Gothic architecture was seen as an embrace of spiritualism. His works speak to the ideas of incorporating intellectual concepts and the nature of living space into a new genre of building design.

Makara Yorimasa, who has lovingly recreated the Pavilion in Second Life, is a huge admirer of Mies van der Rohe, and of the Barcelona Pavilion as an outstanding example of his best work. Mak states:

"It's a fantastic example of early modernism and very important, historically; the use of interior space was innovative and it was Mies' first use of the grid layout that became such a strong feature of his later work.

For me, space is a precious commodity in real life as well as in Second Life. I live and work in London, a very old and densely populated city, where space is at a premium, so in Second Life I am drawn towards low-rise buildings, sleek clean lines and beautiful natural vistas.

I originally built the Barcelona Pavilion for myself on Safe Harbour as a home and retail space; I lived in the room next to the reflecting pool, and left the main part of the building for business activities. It was a very peaceful and relaxing place to come home to.

When Chant asked me to find something suitable for the CNDG business complex, I knew the long horizons and wide blue skies of the business region would be the perfect setting for a low-rise build like the Barcelona Pavilion. I'm really pleased with the way it looks. It includes an informal exhibition space, and airy conference room, and a few small seating groups suitable for chatting with clients.

In fact, the building's function is very similar to its real life counterpart in that it looks gorgeous, feels tranquil, and frames the views of the surrounding world beautifully."

The reconstruction of the Barcelona Pavilion in Second Life continues and expands CNDG's commitment to authentic and realistic builds from historic places and their introduction into the creative spaces of our virtual meta-sphere. Designed to give a peaceful and queit venue for businesses and individuals for meetings and events, Mak has situated the building on a lovely coastline simulating the Southern California climate and textures. He has built around it beautifully landscaped areas, and an extensive coffee and gathering plaza with a central fountain and enhanced the area with a second building designed as a relaxation and gathering place for staff of CNDG. The Pavilion is intended as a business centre, and is a lovely spot in which to contemplate constructing a meaningful interchange of ideas and experiences in SL for companies and individuals alike.

-> Visit this location in SecondLife!

-> Barcelona Pavilion on Wikipedia

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