Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969) was a renowned German-American architect and furniture designer who played a significant role in shaping modern architecture and design. Born as Ludwig Mies in Aachen, Germany, he later adopted his mother's surname, van der Rohe.

Van der Rohe received his architectural education at the Technische Hochschule in Berlin-Charlottenburg, where he was influenced by the teachings of Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Peter Behrens. In the early years of his career, he worked as an apprentice for several prominent architects, including Bruno Paul and Peter Behrens himself.

In the 1920s, van der Rohe became associated with the German modernist movement known as the Bauhaus. He served as the director of the Bauhaus School of Design in Dessau from 1930 to 1933, after its relocation from Weimar. During his tenure, he emphasized the integration of art, architecture, and craftsmanship, promoting a holistic approach to design.

Van der Rohe is best known for his minimalist architectural style characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and the use of industrial materials such as steel and glass. His iconic steel and glass structures, such as the Barcelona Pavilion (1929) and the Farnsworth House (1951), showcase his mastery of proportion, simplicity, and spatial fluidity.

In addition to his architectural achievements, van der Rohe also made significant contributions to furniture design. He believed that furniture should be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and harmonious with architectural spaces. His furniture designs, including the Barcelona Chair (1929) and the Brno Chair (1930), are celebrated for their elegance, comfort, and timeless appeal.

In 1938, van der Rohe immigrated to the United States, where he became the director of the architecture department at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago. Through his teaching and practice, he profoundly influenced a generation of American architects and designers.

Van der Rohe's impact on modern architecture and design cannot be overstated. His philosophy of "less is more" and his emphasis on the essential elements of design continue to inspire architects and designers worldwide. His legacy as a pioneer of modernism and his timeless designs have secured his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of architecture and furniture design.