Last week, during the History of Paris course, the entire class went to Masion De Verre. This building was a wonderful experience for the students.
Students were divided into groups to explore the architecture.
The house’s design focused on three main characteristics: material honesty, varying transparency of shapes, and the juxtaposition of “industrial” materials and fixtures with a more conventional style of home décor.
The Maison de Verre (French: House of Glass) was constructed in Paris, France, between 1928 and 1932. Developed in the early modern architectural style.
One group of students during their visit. Photo by Nusrat Sultana.
The primary materials used were steel, glass, and glass block. Some of the notable “industrial” elements included rubberized floor tiles, bare steel beams, perforated metal sheets, heavy industrial light fixtures, and mechanical fixtures.
It was a guided tour. The guide of the Maison De Verre described the concept and architectural aspect of the project with the participants. Photo by Nusrat Sultana.
Students gained their knowledge by exploring the previous history and construction process of this unique building in Paris.
Exterior view from the garden; Photo by Nusrat Sultana.
The design was a collaboration among Pierre Chareau (furniture and interior designer), Bernard Bijvoet (a Dutch architect working in Paris since 1927), and Louis Dalbet (craftsman metalworker). Much of the intricate moving scenery of the house was designed on-site as the project developed. The external form is defined by translucent glass block walls, with select areas of clear glazing for transparency.
American architectural historian Robert Rubin bought the house from the Dalsace family in 2006 to restore it and use it for his family residence. It was a wonderful experience for the participants of the LSU CoAD in Paris Program.
