Third day in Prague.
Today we see a house designed by the great Adolf Loos. We go at different times in two different groups, and I go with the earlier one. The house sits atop a hill next to a main road in Prague. It was built in the 50s for the wealthy Müller family. We have an enthusiastic young tour guide who is knowledgeable and friendly, although we sort of wish we could explore and experience the house on our own.
Moving from room to room, one really feels the delicate way in which Loos treats space. There are no clear divisions between levels; rather, each room is designed for its purpose with the necessary space. This method of architecture is a Loos specialty; it is called “raumplan”. There are almost no doors. The individual experience of each room provides a myriad of possible perspectives. There is a roof terrace with a stunning view of the surrounding skyline. It really must be felt.
“To be silent where nothing can be said, not to do anything but to construct a building properly, with the proper human approach.” -Adolf Loos
After getting back from the Loos house, I wander around Prague before meeting up with some more people for a second round of Yellow Tiger. The previous night's experience was so enjoyable that we simply had to go back. It is very different being in this setting with Tate. We hear interesting stories and jokes, and see a side of him that isn’t entirely different, but more at ease. He seems to put down his defenses some, and we have that rare, fantastic opportunity to surpass the teacher-student barrier and become friends. For us, the Yellow Tiger represents something a little more than a chance to drink beer or eat pickled herring or to interact with the Czechs.
Today we see a house designed by the great Adolf Loos. We go at different times in two different groups, and I go with the earlier one. The house sits atop a hill next to a main road in Prague. It was built in the 50s for the wealthy Müller family. We have an enthusiastic young tour guide who is knowledgeable and friendly, although we sort of wish we could explore and experience the house on our own.
Moving from room to room, one really feels the delicate way in which Loos treats space. There are no clear divisions between levels; rather, each room is designed for its purpose with the necessary space. This method of architecture is a Loos specialty; it is called “raumplan”. There are almost no doors. The individual experience of each room provides a myriad of possible perspectives. There is a roof terrace with a stunning view of the surrounding skyline. It really must be felt.
“To be silent where nothing can be said, not to do anything but to construct a building properly, with the proper human approach.” -Adolf Loos
After getting back from the Loos house, I wander around Prague before meeting up with some more people for a second round of Yellow Tiger. The previous night's experience was so enjoyable that we simply had to go back. It is very different being in this setting with Tate. We hear interesting stories and jokes, and see a side of him that isn’t entirely different, but more at ease. He seems to put down his defenses some, and we have that rare, fantastic opportunity to surpass the teacher-student barrier and become friends. For us, the Yellow Tiger represents something a little more than a chance to drink beer or eat pickled herring or to interact with the Czechs.
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