Texture + Transparency Series: Philip Johnson’s Glass House

MYND Workshop, in a creative partnership with esteemed architectural photographer Michael Biondo, The Glass House, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation, embarked on a detailed documentation of Philip Johnson's iconic Glass House estate in New Canaan, CT. The collaboration birthed the "Texture + Transparency" series, a visual exploration dedicated to unveiling the essence of each architectural piece on the property. This series was made possible by the generous support of the late Stan Marder, whose passion for art and architecture fueled this endeavor. Stan's legacy lives on through this series, and his contribution is deeply appreciated by all involved, including his family, the team at The Glass House, and the broader architectural community.

Transition between point cloud (left) and video footage (right)

The "Texture + Transparency" series serves as a visual anthology that presents the Glass House and its companion structures in an entirely new light. A series of point clouds were camera tracked to the video footage, creating for perfectly seamless transitions when developing the laser scan animations. The project includes six meticulously crafted episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of the estate: the Glass House itself, known for its minimalist design and seamless integration with nature; Da Monsta, with its avant-garde form; The Studio, Johnson's personal library; The Painting Gallery and The Sculpture Gallery, each housing Johnson's private art collections; and the landscape's "follies," including the ghost house and pavilion on the pond. This comprehensive approach provides viewers with an immersive experience of the estate, highlighting the architectural diversity and ingenuity that Johnson brought to his lifelong project.

Laser scanning on site at The Glass House with Philip Johnson’s Studio in the background

Laser scanning the landscape and pond surrounding Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, CT

3D Laser Scanning next to a John Chamberlain piece in Johnson’s Sculpture Gallery

Philip Johnson's Glass House estate is a cornerstone in the history of modern architecture, encapsulating the evolution of architectural thought through the 20th century. Each structure on the property marks a different chapter in Johnson's illustrious career, from his early explorations in minimalism to his later, more expressive works. The estate not only serves as a personal narrative of Johnson's development as an architect but also as a living museum that continues to inspire and educate on the possibilities of architectural design.

Texture + Transparency: The Glass House

Texture + Transparency: The Sculpture Gallery

Texture + Transparency: The Painting Gallery

Texture + Transparency: The Studio

Texture + Transparency: Da Monsta

Texture + Transparency: The Follies & The Landscape

The collaboration between MYND Workshop, Michael Biondo, and the supporting institutions has created a lasting tribute to both Philip Johnson's architectural legacy and Stan Marder's dedication to preserving and celebrating art and architecture. Through the "Texture + Transparency" series, viewers are invited to explore the depth and breadth of Johnson's work, gaining insight into the creative mind of one of the 20th century's most influential architects. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative creativity and the enduring impact of visionary design on our cultural heritage.

See more press about Texture Transparency below:

The Glass House

Metropolis Magazine

World Architects