Mies van der Rohe
Mansion House Square RIBA Architectural Model Conservation & Restoration

The Mies van der Rohe Mansion House Square architectural models were originally commissioned by Lord Peter Palumbo back in the 1980’s.

Mies van der Rohe, one of the most prominent architects of the 20th century is probably best known for the “less is more” philosophy. Mies designed his proposal for Mansion House Square somewhere between 1950’s and his death in 1969. This was the last tower Mies van der Rohe ever designed yet was never realised due to the change in public opinions and architectural tastes by the 1980’s.

The Mies architectural models were original constructed by Presentation Units: a family run company with an enviable reputation for fabricating unequalled detailed and high quality models.

The Mansion House Square architectural models were loaned to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) by Lord Palumbo in 2016.

These are some of the most impressive architectural models ever produced and have remained unseen for over 30 years.

Mies van der Rohe - Mansion House Square (1:96 Scale) Architectural Model Conservation & Restoration nears completion.

After being so long in the public spot light, the Mansion House Square project and models were sadly forgotten when James Stirling took over the architectural batten with the No1 Poultry project. However all this changed when the RIBA decided to display these iconic architectural models in a new exciting exhibition named:

Unfortunately after decades of being kept in less than ideal storage facilities in the UK and USA, the Mies models had fallen into poor condition. The models had suffered extreme changes in temperature, considerable damp penetration, shock and vibration. This regrettable combination meant before any RIBA exhibition could take place, these Mies van der Rohe architectural models would need extensive restoration and conservation works.

Mansion House Square RIBA Architectural Model Conservation & Restoration (1:96 Scale) Beginning of a 3 month project .

The RIBA quickly moved the collection into their controlled storage facility in London were the models were unpacked and left to acclimatise to their new environment.

Due to their level of detail and complexity the architectural models required a specialist model conservator. After detailed research and recommendation the RIBA contacted SMA design. Uniquely SMA design is the only provider of museum quality architectural model conservation and restoration in Europe.

On first contact the RIBA were soon pleasantly surprised to learn that Simon Morris (senior designer) at SMA design was the youngest family member of Presentation Units, the original Mansion House Square model makers.

Over the last 20 years Simon worked for private collectors and museums, designing and lighting exhibitions. This carrier path brought him naturally in contact with museum conservation departments. Simon soon realised these museum conservation and restoration principles, combined with his extensive model making knowledge could offer a unique range of services.

Directed at museum, foundations and architects, these conservation services preserve important architectural historical archives and collections.

The Canadian Centre of Architecture (CCA) and RIBA have continually crusaded for organisations to understand the value and significance of these historical architectural models.

Following the initial consultation a schedule of works was agreed. The RIBA curatorial and conservation team thought it essential Simon worked as the model conservator. Therefore the RIBA were happy to work around his busy design commitments to facilitate these works.

We will be adding additional pages over the coming days showing details of the restoration and conservation project. This will also include publishing a detailed case study PDF article.

Mansion House Square Model
Conservation & Restoration Articles

Mansion House Square Model Restoration & Conservation - Part 2 >>

Mies van der Rohe - Tower Model - Part 3 >>

Mies van der Rohe - Shopping Concourse Model - Part 4 >>

Mies van der Rohe - Model Existing Buildings - Part 5 >>

Mies van der Rohe - Model Trees - Part 6 >>

James Stirling No 1 Poultry Model - Part 7 >>