DocomomoJoin
  • Explore Modern
    • Explore the register
    • Designers
    • Styles of the Modern Era
    • Resources
  • Latest News
  • Events
    • Upcoming events
    • Modernism in America Awards
    • National Symposium
    • Tour Day
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Membership
    • Theodore Prudon Fund
    • Why become a member
    • Members & Supporters
  • Engage
    • About
    • Regional chapters
    • Start a chapter
    • Submit a site you love
    • Get involved
  • Search
  • Explore Modern
  • Register

The Edith Farnsworth House (Book)

Excellent
  • Identity of Building/Site

The Edith Farnsworth House (Book)

Site overview

Awards

Documentation

Citation of Merit

2024

An Inventory/Survey Citation of Merit is presented to The Edith Farnsworth House book (The Monacelli Press), authored by Michelangelo Sabatino, with contributions by Scott Mehaffey, Dietrich Neumann, Ron Henderson, and Hilary Lewis. Although much scholarship exists on the iconic house in Chicago’s suburbs by Mies van der Rohe, there was a gap in knowledge and misconceptions surrounding its patron and client, Dr. Edith Farnsworth. This publication, designed by Chris Grimley, brings to light her pivotal role, a perspective often overshadowed in other Mies-centric narratives about this modern country house. Combining scholarly insight with visual artistry, the book includes excerpts from Farnsworth’s unpublished memoir, interviews with Mies’s grandson Dirk Lohan and the house’s second owner Lord Peter Palumbo, as well as photographs from Hedrich Blessing, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Jack Boucher, as well as documentation of cultural collaborations with renowned artists and designers. 

“It is an insightful documentation of the Edith Farnsworth house, clearly entailing significant resources and offering new perspectives on its importance. It humanizes architecture by bringing the client into its story.” 

- James Russell, FAIA, 2024 Jury Member
Client

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Restoration Team

Michelangelo Sabatino (Author); Chris Grimley, SIGNALS (Graphic Design); Scott Mehaffey (Edith Farnsworth House/National Trust for Historic Preservation); Dietrich Neumann; Hilary Lewis; Ron Henderson; Alan Rapp; The Monacelli Press (Publisher)

Location

14520 River Road
Plano, IL, 60545

Case Study House No. 21

Lorem ipsum dolor

Designer(s)

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Nationality

German, American

About
  • Docomomo US
  • US Board of Directors
  • Partner Organizations
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Credits
  • Contact
Membership
  • Membership Overview
  • Why you should become a member
  • Join
  • Members & Supporters

© Copyright 2025 Docomomo US

Donate

Donations keep vital architecture alive and help save threatened sites around the country. Docomomo US relies on your donations to raise awareness of modern design and advocate for threatened sites. Donate today ›