Final answer:
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's later works illustrate a revival and reinterpretation of classicism through their minimalist design, balancing modernist and classical sensibilities with a focus on structural simplicity and timeless aesthetic embodied by the Barcelona Pavilion and his role at the Bauhaus School.
Step-by-step explanation:
The later works of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe can be seen as reviving or reinterpreting aspects of classicism through his minimalist approach that emphasizes simplicity and structural clarity. This less is more approach, as exhibited in projects like the Barcelona Pavilion, uses modern materials and forms to create space that reflects classical ideals of order and symmetry.
Mies's designs leverage technological advancements like steel frames and glass cladding, yet evoke the timelessness and durability associated with classic architecture, drawing a connection between the past and his modernist vision.
During the postmodern era, architects began to revisit the incorporation of historic elements into their work, which can be seen as aligning with Mies's subtle dialogue with classicism in his earlier designs. His work ultimately displays a balance between the modernist rejection of unnecessary ornamentation and an underlying classical sense of proportion and harmony.
Mies's time as director of the Bauhaus School and his design of the Barcelona chair further emphasize the marriage of design and craftsmanship, embodying a modern but classical aesthetic.