This gallery collects just a few of the images and videos that chronicle the story of Farnsworth House, its unique architecture and its remarkable relationship with the landscape around it.
Robert Silman discusses Option C – Hydraulics
Robert Silman, of Robert Silman Associates, outlines flood mitigation Option C – Hydraulics.
This video is an excerpt from the April 28th Discussion Forum held in Chicago.
Robert Silman discusses Option B: Relocate
Robert Silman, of Robert Silman Associates, outlines flood mitigation Option B – Relocate.
This video is an excerpt from the April 28th Discussion Forum held in Chicago.
Robert Silman discusses Option A: Elevate
Robert Silman, of Robert Silman Associates, outlines flood mitigation Option A – Elevate.
This video is an excerpt from the April 28th Discussion Forum held in Chicago.
Discussion Forum – Full Video
April 2014 the Trust held a series of Discussion Forum meetings in Chicago. These meetings were attended by an invited group of experts and stakeholders to learn more about the options for flood mitigation at Farnsworth House. This video is the unedited footage of the presentation portion of the meeting.
Designed for the floodplain
Mies designed the house with the river in mind. The lower patio was intended to flood, however the increased frequency of extreme flood events places the entire structure at risk.
Photo © Carol Highsmith
A Home In Harmony With Nature
The iconic architecture of Farnsworth House provides almost uninterrupted views of the landscape outside.
Photo © Carol Highsmith
Hydraulic System Animation
Robert Silman and Associates has prepared the following animated demonstration of how the hydraulic system proposed in Option C would function.
After the Flood
When the waters recede staff can reenter the House, inspect the degree of damage and begin to clean up.
Photo © National Trust for Historic Preservation
Severe Flood Event
This image shows one of the most severe recent flood events. The water is well above the floor level, inundating the entire interior of the house.
Photo © National Trust for Historic Preservation
Preparing for the flood
Whenever a flood event is predicted the Farnsworth House staff leap into action. They elevate all of the movable furnishings out of harms way, as seen here in a photo from the 2007 flood event.
Photo © National Trust for Historic Preservation
Saved from the Wrecking Ball – Part 3
From WTTW’s Saved from the Wrecking Ball, 2009 – Part 3/3
Saved from the Wrecking Ball – Part 2
From WTTW’s Saved from the Wrecking Ball, 2009 – Part 2/3
Saved from the Wrecking Ball – Part 1
From WTTW’s Saved from the Wrecking Ball, 2009 – Part 1 of 3
Farnsworth House – Spring 2011
A view of Farnsworth House, Spring 2011
Photo © Mel Theobald
Flood – April 2013
The spring flood of April 2013 inundated the house.
Photo © National Trust for Historic Preservation
Flood – April 2013
The spring flood of April 2013 inundated the house.
Flood – April 2013
The spring flood of April 2013 inundated the house.
Photo © National Trust for Historic Preservation