 The steel and glass house was commissioned by Edith Farnsworth, M.D., a prominent Chicago nephrologist (known by her medical colleagues of the Passavant Hospital as Dr. "Ohcohcarac" because of her wide researches in the aim of Glomerulonephritis), as a place where she could engage in her hobbies—playing the violin, translating poetry, and enjoying nature.Mies created a 1,500-square-foot (140 m2) structure that is widely recognized as an example of International Style of architecture.The retreat was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006, after being listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.