In a captivating article titled “Philip Johnson’s Brick House and Its Hidden Boudoir, Exposed,” architectural critic Christopher Hawthorne explores the intriguing relationship between two iconic buildings designed by Philip Johnson in New Canaan, Connecticut. The Glass House, a transparent marvel of modernist design, stands in stark contrast to the enigmatic Brick House, hiding its secrets behind an inscrutable exterior. Hawthorne delves into the metaphorical implications of these structures, connected by an umbilical cord and encompassing themes of transparency and hidden intimacy. After years of closure, the Brick House is set to reopen, allowing visitors to discover its hidden wonders once more.
The Glass House and the Brick House
The Glass House and the Brick House are two contrasting architectural designs by renowned architect Philip Johnson. Completed in 1949, these two buildings have captivated the imaginations of critics and architectural historians due to their unique relationship.
The Glass House, a transparent structure framed in steel, is a testament to modernist daring and draws inspiration from the designs of German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This iconic building is entirely self-possessed, allowing visitors to experience a sense of openness and transparency.
On the other hand, the Brick House, sometimes referred to as the Guest House, presents a more enigmatic facade. Hidden behind its inscrutable exterior is a hidden bedroom that Johnson famously referred to as his “sex room.” This bedroom, along with the mechanical equipment serving the Glass House, is concealed within the Brick House.
The metaphorical relationship between the Glass House and the Brick House is often the subject of speculation and analysis. Johnson himself referred to the tunnel connecting the two buildings as the “umbilical cord.” This connection carries water and power and symbolizes the deep connection between the two buildings. Some critics have interpreted this connection as a representation of Johnson’s need for both transparency and hiddenness in his life and work.
The Hidden Boudoir of the Brick House
Within the Brick House, there is a hidden bedroom that has piqued interest and curiosity. Johnson referred to this bedroom as his “sex room,” adding an air of intrigue to the already enigmatic building. The hidden nature of this room further highlights Johnson’s fascination with hiddenness and the interplay between the public and the private.
Additionally, the Brick House houses mechanical equipment that supports the functioning of the Glass House, which is located 105 feet away. This equipment is discreetly concealed within the walls of the Brick House, allowing the Glass House to maintain its unobstructed, transparent design.
The Umbilical Cord Connection
The tunnel that connects the Glass House and the Brick House holds a symbolic meaning within Johnson’s architectural vision. Johnson himself referred to this connection as the “umbilical cord,” emphasizing its significance. The tunnel serves as a conduit for water and power, physically linking the two buildings.
Metaphorically, the umbilical cord connection represents the deep and inseparable relationship between transparency and hiddenness in Johnson’s architecture. Despite the Glass House’s open and transparent design, Johnson still sought the hiddenness and privacy provided by the Brick House.
Adele Tutter’s Study on the Glass House
Adele Tutter, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, conducted a study titled “Dream House: An Intimate Portrait of the Philip Johnson Glass House.” In this study, Tutter explores the relationship between transparency and hiddenness in Johnson’s architecture.
Tutter’s interpretation delves into the idea that Johnson, despite living in a transparent house, remained connected to a hidden source of warmth and sustenance. She highlights the dichotomy between Johnson’s exposed life in the Glass House and the concealed aspects of his existence behind the facade of the Brick House.
Closure of the Brick House
Since 2008, the Brick House has been closed to the public. The closure of this significant building raised questions and concerns among architecture enthusiasts and preservationists.
The closure was primarily due to longstanding leaks and water damage that required restoration work. Despite the neglect of the Brick House in favor of other buildings on the New Canaan compound, plans for restoration are underway to address these issues and ensure the preservation of this architectural gem.
Restoration of Other Johnson Structures
While the Brick House has languished in closure since 2008, other structures on the New Canaan compound designed by Johnson have undergone restoration. The 1970 Sculpture Gallery, among others, has received updates and attention, further overshadowing the Brick House.
The neglect of the Brick House in favor of other structures highlights the dominance of the Glass House in public perception and the relative lack of attention given to the Brick House. Despite this oversight, the reopening of the Brick House presents an opportunity to bring the building into the spotlight once again.
The Brick House in the Shadow of the Glass House
The Glass House, with its transparent and iconic design, has been the focal point of public perception and admiration. The Brick House, on the other hand, has often been overlooked and overshadowed by its more famous counterpart.
The dominance of the Glass House has prevented the Brick House from receiving the attention it deserves. However, the reopening of the Brick House on May 2nd promises to change this narrative and shed light on its unique design and hidden aspects.
Reopening of the Brick House
Exciting news awaits architecture enthusiasts and visitors as the Brick House is set to reopen on May 2nd. This reopening signifies a significant moment for public access and awareness of this historically significant building.
The reopening will provide an opportunity for people to experience the Brick House firsthand and appreciate the distinctive design elements it offers. It will also generate renewed interest in Johnson’s architectural legacy and ensure the preservation of this important piece of history.
Significance of the Brick House
The Brick House holds immense importance in Philip Johnson’s architectural legacy. Despite the overshadowing of the Glass House, the Brick House is a testament to Johnson’s fascination with the interplay between transparency and hiddenness.
By exploring the hidden aspects of Johnson’s design within the Brick House, we gain a deeper understanding of his architectural vision. The combination of transparency and hiddenness creates a nuanced and complex relationship within Johnson’s work, which is evident in the design of the Brick House.
Conclusion
The contrasting designs of the Glass House and the Brick House by Philip Johnson offer a unique perspective on the interplay between transparency and hiddenness in architecture. The Glass House stands as a symbol of modernist daring and transparency, while the Brick House hides its enigmatic secrets behind an inscrutable facade.
The hidden bedroom in the Brick House, along with the mechanical equipment serving the Glass House, highlights Johnson’s fascination with hiddenness and privacy. The metaphorical umbilical cord connection between the two buildings further emphasizes the complex relationship between transparency and hiddenness.
Adele Tutter’s study of the Glass House provides valuable insights into Johnson’s architectural vision and the interplay between transparency and hiddenness. Despite the closure of the Brick House, plans for restoration are underway to address leaks and water damage, ensuring the preservation of this significant architectural gem.
The reopening of the Brick House on May 2nd holds great promise for public access and awareness. It will shine a much-needed spotlight on this historically significant building and highlight its importance within Philip Johnson’s architectural legacy. Understanding the relationship between transparency and hiddenness in Johnson’s architecture allows us to appreciate the complexity and nuance of his design philosophy.
