Commonwealth Promenade

In the heart of Chicago, within the iconic residential tower of Commonwealth Plaza designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1957, a residential project bridges historical reverence with contemporary vision. The studio Eric Rothfeder Architect (ERA) oversaw the transformation of three separate apartments into a single 460-square-meter residence, nestled within one of the most emblematic buildings of the American Modernist Movement.
Luminaire collaborated closely with Eric Rothfeder on the selection of furnishings and the definition of the final identity of the space, playing a crucial role in the success of the project. The result is an environment where architecture and interior design are in harmonious dialogue, enhancing the building’s history through a refined and measured aesthetic.

The project stemmed from the client’s desire to unify the three original units into a single contemporary home, one that could make full use of the architectural strengths of the building - particularly its floor-to-ceiling windows - while reconfiguring the layout according to a new functional logic.
The new floor plan designed by Rothfeder reorganises the apartment’s spaces to maximise natural light and the sweeping views provided by the building’s extensive glazing. The living area - comprising the kitchen, dining room, living room, media area, and office - was relocated to the southern wing, where it benefits from sunlight throughout the day. Meanwhile, the bedrooms and bathrooms were moved to the northern side, where the more subdued light fosters a sense of calm and privacy.

Materials and finishes reflect a refined and understated sensibility: glass and aluminium surfaces give way to neutral palettes, white walls, glass doors, and solid wood. The custom woodwork does not replicate Mies’ original designs but pays homage to them, echoing their solidity and depth through new interpretations - triangular profiles and 45-degree chamfered corners replace the recessed angles typical of Mies’ architecture.
To develop an interior design aligned with the architectural framework, Rothfeder turned to Luminaire, who curated a selection of furnishings that includes iconic pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. Highlights include the Capitol Complex chairs by Cassina and pieces by Charlotte Perriand, Piero Lissoni, and Poul Kjaerholm in the living room; Jasper Morrison and Patricia Urquiola in the kitchen and dining areas; and a wood chair by Marc Newson in the bedroom. Each piece was chosen to relate to the architectural context, enhancing it without resorting to imitation.

This project exemplifies how it is possible to engage with a historic, iconic architecture with both respect and creative independence, resulting in a space that is original yet deeply rooted in its context. Through its carefully curated selection of furnishings, Luminaire helped pay tribute to Mies van der Rohe with a contemporary language of living, balanced elegantly between past and present.