Principles & Elements

The John J. Glessner House was thoroughly designed with principles and elements in mind. In the living room, as well as many of the others, we see a pattern in the wallpaper, linework in the wooden trim, and a contrast between the two. This is a drawing of the wallpaper. The frames on the wall unify and harmonize together to create an overall enjoyable look. The front of the exterior of the house is balanced very pleasantly through the use of symmetry. Principles and elements are everywhere you look, especially in a house as detailed as this one.

Connections

Connections are found within every wall of the house, as well as the exterior and beyond that. This is because everything we see has a purpose and is connected to something else. For example, in this picture are serving dishes and utensils that then connect to and are placed in the kitchen and breakfast room, which have hosted many meals, which then connect to the overall purpose and functionality of the house in the large city of Chicago; important to John Glessner, as he cherished the home as a symbol for a “happy family life”.

Materials

One of the most eye-catching components in this house is the wood paneling and intricate wood details scattered throughout. This is beneficial, as wood is a very durable and highly sustainable material. It is eco-friendly, long-lasting, and very versatile, as we see in this picture by the staircase. It has a timeless effect, which is one of the reasons many people enjoy looking at and finding interest in these kinds of houses over a century later. However, we see many more materials as well in the design. For example, the laid granite that covers the exterior walls of the house.

Light and Color

This house is pleasantly balanced between artificial lights and natural lights, as well as pops of color here and there. There is a warm tone to the artificial lights that pairs with the warm-toned wood, and in many cases forms a pleasant glare off of the polish. We tend to see this in the form of sconces. Throughout the house there are many different sizes of windows, allowing a comfortable amount of natural light into many of the spaces to create a more spacious illusion and a feeling of ease. Color is seen, for example, in many of the rooms, the greens and oranges in the rug, furniture, curtains, tablecloth, etc.

Experience

Admiring either the exteriors or the interiors of the house, it is most likely that your eyes will wander in many different directions, as the design is very detailed and thought out. The architecture and rich history of the building are one to be admired and appreciated when walking around looking at the craftsmanship that we don’t see as much today, and the natural elements are a cherry on top. Although it is a museum now, it has a very home-like feel because of the original purpose it was designed for and how many years it was lived in. You can’t help but imagine the stories and gatherings that occurred in this unique home once upon a time

Theories

Although most of the discussed theories apply to the John J. Glessner House, the Human-Centered Design theory and Sustainability theory are the most applicable. There are many natural elements in this home, with the dominating material being wood, a very sustainable resource, as well as the stone on the exterior of the house. The home was built to last and built around these materials. Due to the fact that Glessner wanted a highly comfortable home, the functionality is based on the needs of his family, in other words, human-centered design. In the picture, you can see that it is not picture perfect, but based around the comfort of his family, along with the multitude of furniture in the room.

Technology

Because of its age, this house isn’t familiar with modern-day technology, However, it does include the familiar intercom. This is most helpful because of the large size of the house. Technology is also being used to create the details in the woodwork on the walls and in the furniture. For example, tools such as chisels, hand saws, planes, and carving tools did the job. During this time, power tools were just starting to emerge.

Finishes

The prominent finish on the exterior of the home is made up of granite, as it is a durable and long-lasting material, with the plus of a natural texture. This was a popular choice during this time period. On the interior, the wood finish seems to be varnish, a modern touch, or shellac, which is more natural, on the other hand. The rooms are painted colors like red and green, while others are wallpapered.

Furnishings

Furniture is a big component in this home, as it was designed to be a fully functioning and comfortable home. The spaces are curated with very elegant pieces like the ones seen in the living room (couch, chair, tea table, etc.). By mixing the fabrics and contrasting the materials, you can tell the space was thought out. The piano furnished in this room serves a multi-functional purpose by adding a vocal point to the space, seating, music, and aesthetics.

Telling Stories

Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, this home was built at the request of John J. Glessner for himself and his family. Prominent in the Chicago area, they wanted a new and functional, family-friendly home that reflected their wealth and social status. After Glessner died in 1936, the house became the property of the Armour Institute, later to end up in the hands of preservation advocates and turned into a museum open to the public.

Additional sources

The House — Glessner House.

John J. Glessner House | SAH ARCHIPEDIA (sah-archipedia.org).