Minimalism describes movements in various forms of

art and design, especially visual art and music, where

the work is stripped down to its most fundamental
features. As a specific movement in the arts it is
identified with developments in post-World War II
Western Art, most strongly with American visual arts in
the late 1960s and early 1970s. Prominent artists
associated with this movement include Donald
Judd, John McLaughlin, Agnes Martin, Dan
Flavin, Robert Morris, Anne Truitt, and Frank Stella. It is
rooted in the reductive aspects of Modernism, and is
often interpreted as a reaction against Abstract
expressionism and a bridge to Post-modern art
practices.

Origins and History

Minimalism derives from the minimal geometric forms of

the Suprematist painter Kasimir Malevich (1878-1935),
exemplified in works like Black Circle (1913, State
Russian Museum, St Petersburg), and the "ready-
mades" of Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), in the second
decade of the 20th century. Later pioneers included
the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College
teacher Josef Albers (1888-1976), noted for his
abstract Homage to the Square series, andAd
Reinhardt (1913-67) who finally gravitated to all-black paintings in the late 1950s. As it was, the emergence of
Minimalism was as much a reaction against the emotionalism of Abstract Expressionism as a culmination of a
particular aesthetic. One of the first abstract painters to be specifically linked with Minimalism was the former
Abstract Expressionist Frank Stella (b.1936), whose black "pin-stripe" paintings made a huge impact at the 1959
art show ("16 Americans") staged by Dorothy Miller at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Stella's minimalist
works (hard-edge painting) - following in the footsteps of earlier works by Kenneth Noland, Robert Motherwell,
Ralph Humphrey, and Robert Ryman - were in sharp contrast to the emotional, energy-filled paintings by
Abstract Expressionists Willem de Kooning (1904-97) or Franz Kline (1910-62). Another influence on the
development of minimalist painting was Ed Ruscha (b.1937).

Minimalism in Painting & Sculpture -

Characteristics

Minimalist paintings and sculptures are generally

composed of precise, hard-edged, geometric
forms, with rigid planes of colour pigment - typically
utilizing cool hues or maybe just one colour. They
tend to consist of non-hierarchical, geometrically
regular compositions, often arranged in a grid
format and made from industrial materials.
Whatever the precise details, the idea of this kind
ofnon-objective art is to purge the work of any
external references or gestures, such as the
emotionalism of Abstract Expressionism. According
to Robert Morris, one of the most influential theorists
of Minimalism, in his seminal series of essays "Notes
on Sculpture 1-3" (Artforum in 1966), the minimalist
painter or sculptor is chiefly interested how the
spectator perceives the relationship between the
different parts of the work and of the parts to the
whole thing. The repetition often seen in Minimalist sculpture is designed to highlight the subtle differences in this
relationship. An alternative approach was outlined by Donald Judd in his paper "Specific Objects" (Arts Yearbook
8, 1965), who saw minimal art as a means of eliminating inherited artistic values from Europe, thus creating a new
type of American art.

The movement was heavily criticised by a number of important art critics and historians. For instance, Michael
Fried's critical article "In Art and Objecthood" (Artforum in June 1967), strongly criticised its "theatricality".

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The term "minimalist" is often applied colloquially to designate anything which is spare or stripped to its
essentials. It has also been used to describe the plays and novels of Samuel Beckett, the films of Robert Bresson,
the stories of Raymond Carver, and even the automobile designs of Colin Chapman. The word was first used in
English in the early 20th century to describe the Mensheviks.

Minimalist design

The term minimalism is also used to describe a trend

in design and architecture where in the subject is reduced
to its necessary elements. Minimalist design has been highly
influenced by Japanese traditional design and architecture.
In addition, the work of De Stijl artists is a major source of
reference for this kind of work. De Stijl expanded the ideas
that could be expressed by using basic elements such as
lines and planes organized in very particular manners.

Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe adopted the motto

"Less is more" to describe his aesthetic tactic of arranging
the numerous necessary components of a building to create
an impression of extreme simplicity, by enlisting every
element and detail to serve multiple visual and functional
purposes (such as designing a floor to also serve as the
radiator, or a massive fireplace to also house the bathroom).
Designer Buckminster Fuller adopted the engineer's goal of
"Doing more with less", but his concerns were oriented
towards technology and engineering rather than aesthetics.
A similar sentiment was industrial designer Dieter Rams'
motto, "Less but better" adapted from van der Rohe. The
structure uses relatively simple elegant designs;
ornamentations are quality rather than quantity. The
structure's beauty is also determined by playing with lighting, using the basic geometric shapes as outlines,
using only a single shape or a small number of like shapes for components for design unity, using tasteful non-
fussy bright color combinations, usually natural textures and colors, and clean and fine finishes. Using sometimes
the beauty of natural patterns on stone cladding and real wood encapsulated within ordered simplified
structures, and real metal producing a simplified but prestigious architecture and interior design. May use color
brightness balance and contrast between surface colors to improve visual aesthetics. The structure would
usually have industrial and space age style utilities (lamps, stoves, stairs, technology, etc.), neat and straight
components (like walls or stairs) that appear to be
machined with machines, flat or nearly flat roofs,
pleasing negative spaces, and large windows to let in
lots of sunlight. This and science fiction may have
contributed to the late twentieth century futuristic
architecture design, and modern home decor. Modern
minimalist home architecture with its unnecessary
internal walls removed probably have led to the
popularity of the open plan kitchen and living room
style.

Minimalist architecture became popular in the late

1980s in London and New York, where architects and
fashion designers worked together in the boutiques to
achieve simplicity, using white elements, cold lighting,
large space with minimum objects and furniture.
Minimalist architecture simplifies living space to reveal
the essential quality of buildings and conveys simplicity
in attitudes toward life. It is highly inspired from the
Japanese traditional design and the concept
of Zen philosophy.

Influenced by traditional Japanese designs,

the Bauhaus art school and De Stijl, Minimalist
architecture, exemplified by the signature style of
architect Mies van der Rohe, which he describes as "Less
is more", refers to building designs that are reduced to
the absolute bare minimum of elements. Minimalist
architectural design typically uses basic geometric

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shapes, harmonious colors, natural textures, open-plan spatial arrangements, neat and straight components,
clean finishes, flat or nearly flat roofs, large windows and satisfying negative spaces.

Concepts and design elements

The concept of minimalist architecture is to strip

everything down to its essential quality and achieve
simplicity. The idea is not completely without
ornamentation, but that all parts, details and joinery are
considered as reduced to a stage where no one can
remove anything further to improve the design.

The considerations for essences are light, form, detail of

material, space, place and human condition. Minimalist
architects not only consider the physical qualities of the
building. Moreover, they look deeply into the spiritual
dimension and the invisible, by listening to the figure and
paying attention to the details, people, space, nature
and materials. Which reveals the abstract quality of
something that is invisible and search for the essence
from those invisible qualities. Such as natural light, sky,
earth and air. In addition, they open up dialogue with
the surrounding environment to decide the most essential
materials for the construction and create relationships
between buildings and sites.

In minimalist architecture, design elements convey the message of simplicity. The basic geometric forms,
elements without decoration, simple materials and the repetitions of structures represent a sense of order and
essential quality. The movement of natural light in buildings reveals simple and clean spaces. In late 19th
century as the arts and crafts movement began to be popular in Britain, people valued the attitude of truth to
materials, with respect to the profound and innate characteristics of materials. Minimalist architects humbly
'listen to figure,' seeking essence and simplicity by rediscovering the valuable qualities in simple and common
materials.

Neo-Minimalism

Neo-minimalism is a rather vaguely defined art

style/movement of the late 20th, early 21st centuries, in
painting, sculpture, architecture, design, and music. It is
sometimes referred to as "neo-geo", "Neo-Conceptualism",
"Neo-Futurism", "New Abstraction", "Poptometry", "Post-
Abstractionism", "Simulationism", and "Smart Art".
Contemporary artists who are supposedly associated with
the term, include David Burdeny, Catharine Burgess, Marjan
Eggermont, Paul Kuhn, Eve Leader, Tanya Rusnak, Laurel
Smith, Christopher Willard, and Time Zuck.

Postminimalism

Post-Minimalism describes attempts to go beyond the idiom

of minimalism,in architecture or the visual arts. In simple
terms, 1960s minimalism is a rather intellectual style of art
characterized by extreme simplicity of form and a deliberate lack of expressive content. Minimalist artists were
only interested in presenting a pure "idea". In Post-Minimalism (1971 onwards), the focus shifts from the purity of
the idea, to HOW it is conveyed.

Minimalism in Interior Design

Walls

Walls are usually white in minimalist interior design. The idea

is to create a space that looks clean, which is why white
pairs so well with the style. Pale terra-cottas, neutrals or
colors reflecting the surrounding nature may also be used
on the walls, as long as they are not distracting or make the
space feel enclosed. Storage may be hidden in the walls,

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such as a large closet that is covered by reflective mirror doors made in a way to accent the design.

Windows

Windows are a major design element in minimalist design.

Large windows work best because they allow the space to
virtually become one with its natural surroundings. Fussy
blinds or curtains are usually not used. If you prefer to use
blinds or curtains, choose natural wood or bamboo shades
and sheer curtains. Keep windows clean to prevent buildup
that may block an outdoor view.

Floors

Use flooring that is simple and natural, such as real wood or

stone tiles. Shiny floors create a clean look, while muted
floors reflect a natural state. Either style may be used in
minimalist design, depending on the look you are going for.
Some designs are modern and futuristic, making use of shiny
flooring that looks as though it is one piece. Others are "one"
with nature, using natural, muted wood or stone floors,
reflecting the materials seen outdoors.

Furniture

Choose furnishings that are simple, geometric shapes and

made of natural materials, such as a square wood table.
Furniture that is low to the ground creates a modern look
and also reflects the Japanese influences in the style. Use
furnishings that do not take up too much space and provide
only what is necessary, such as a resting area made up of
simple chairs and large floor pillows or a bed that sits low to
the ground with a simple wooden surround. Large furnishings
that are bulky are unnecessary.

Accessories

Accessories should provide visual interest in the space.

Bolder colors and designs can be used in the accessories
because they are small and not too distracting. Make use of
materials such as chrome and steel to create a look of
cleanliness and wood or clay to bring in a touch of nature.
Only the minimal amount of accessories should be used to
avoid clutter.

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How to Make My Home Have a Minimalist Look
The minimalist look is a way to de-clutter the home
as well as spend less on decor pieces and
furniture. Minimalism is defined as
"uncomplicated," "basic" and "simple," and
besides saving you cash, a minimalist home is
easy to clean and keep up with, as there are no
piles of clutter collecting dust around your home.
The minimalist look is also pleasing to the eye,
whereas looking at piles of clutter every day can
end up causing unnecessary stress. Remember to
think about what essentials a room requires to
function, and do away with everything else.

Instructions

1. Use subtle colors for any painting that is required. Though the minimalist look can include color, such as
a bright red tablecloth accent, the overall color scheme for each room should feature subdued neutral
earth tones such as tan, cream, brown, blue, gray and green colors.
2. Use the minimum number of furniture pieces needed for each room. For example, a living room would
be composed of a sofa, a smaller sofa or chair, a coffee table, television and a few lamps. Use a
minimalist entertainment unit to house your television and other entertainment equipment pieces; look
for one with minimal shelving that doesn't feature a lot of cabinets or embellishments. Keep a bed,
nightstand, bureau and perhaps another small table or bookshelf in your bedroom, or even less if
desired.
3. Leave the walls bare save for one or two framed pictures, photos, tapestries or other wall decor per
wall. The walls should be solid colors free from stenciling, murals or other embellishments. Use solid-color
drapes, curtains or blinds on the windows in earth tone hues.
4. Keep all surfaces clear of clutter with with minimal decoration. Refrain from allowing letters or
paperwork to pile up on tables, as well as stacks of books or lots of knick-knacks and framed pictures.
Surfaces should be kept clean and feature one decor piece at most, such as one framed image or a
vase filled with cut flowers.
5. Keep the floors clear with the exception of furniture. As with all flat surfaces in your home, refrain from
letting clutter, such as toys, books and magazines, pile up on the floor around your home.
6. Utilize storage compartments. Keeping a clutter-free apartment or home means sorting and eventually
finding spaces for items, as well as remembering where items are once you have found a place for
them. Keep lists inside cabinet doors as reminders of what is contained within particular storage spaces.

A minimalist look is commonly used nowadays for it is simple and elegant and also provides ease for doing
activities, but there are disadvantages about this type of style, especially in bedroom like:

Lack of Warmth

Of course, your bedroom should cater to your tastes, but while some see the starkness of a minimalist room as a
calming and inviting oasis, others might see it as cold and uninspired. The lack of color, print and texture that is
common in these spaces can give the illusion of being unwelcoming or even boring. Because these types of
rooms rarely feature excess furniture or items, these spaces are usually reserved for simply sleeping and relaxing,
which means the room might get as much use as other rooms.

"Creature Comforts"

A bedroom space is supposed to be a cozy retreat from the outside world. In a minimalist bedroom, the space
is stripped down to the most basic of furnishings, which means that there is little room for "creature comforts,"
such as a television, books, decorative accessories or other items that make a space warm and inviting. If you
do want these items in your room, you would have to hide them somewhere in the space, making them less
convenient and accessible.

Maintenance

While many rooms feature a bold accent color, one of the most commonly seen colors in minimalist decor is
white. Sometimes cream and other times stark white, white is very useful in creating the simplistic, clean look

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that minimalist decorators love. However, white can be difficult to maintain. If you spill anything in the space, it
can stain easily. If you have animals, pet hair can be visible on the otherwise cool, clean white fabrics and
furniture. If you choose light-colored furniture, it can show scuffs or general wear and tear easier than darker
shades.

Low Lines

In minimalist design, the scale of the furniture is typically low to the ground, creating a sense of expansiveness
above the furniture to the ceiling. While this is aesthetically-pleasing, it might be uncomfortable to get in and
out of bed or access furniture, especially if you are taller or have difficulty bending or squatting.

The following are the well-known pioneers of Minimalist Architecture:

Tadao Ando is a Japanese self-taught architect whose approach to

architecture and landscape was categorized by architectural
historian Francesco Dal Co as "critical regionalism".

The simplicity of his architecture emphasizes the concept of sensation

and physical experiences, mainly influenced by the Japanese culture.
The religious term Zen, focuses on the concept of simplicity and
concentrates on inner feeling rather than outward appearance. Zen
influences vividly show in Andos work and became its distinguishing
mark. In order to practice the idea of simplicity, Ando's architecture is
mostly constructed with concrete, providing a sense of cleanliness and
weightlessness at the same time. Due to the simplicity of the exterior,
construction, and organization of the space are relatively potential in
order to represent the aesthetic of sensation.

Luis Ramiro Barragn Morfn (March 9, 1902 November 22, 1988) was
a Mexican architect. He studied as an engineer in his home town, while
undertaking the entirety of additional coursework to obtain the title of
architect.

Barragn attended lectures by Le Corbusier and became influenced by

European modernism. The buildings he produced in the years after his
return to Mexico show the typical, clean lines of the Modernist movement.
Nonetheless, according to Andrs Casillas (who worked with Barragn), he
eventually became entirely convinced that the house should not be "a
machine for living." Opposed to functionalism, Barragn strove for an
"emotional architecture" claiming that "any work of architecture which does
not express serenity is a mistake." Barragn always used raw materials such
as stone or wood. He combined them with his incredibly creative use of
light.

Antoine Predock (born 1936 in Lebanon, Missouri) is an

American architect based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Antoine
Predock is the Principal of Antoine Predock Architect PC. The studio
was established in 1967. Predock attended the University of New
Mexicoand later received his Bachelor of Architecture from Columbia
University.

Predock first gained national attention with the La Luz community

in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Nelson Fine Arts Center atArizona
State University was his first nationally won design competition. Mr.
Predock's work includes the Turtle Creek House, built in 1993 for bird
enthusiasts along a prehistoric trail in Texas, the Tang Teaching
Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, and a new ballpark for
the San Diego Padres. He has also worked on international sites such
as the National Palace Museum Southern Branch in
Southern Taiwan and the Canadian Museum for Human
Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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 Clean lines and uncomplicated form characterize the work of
Belgian architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen. For over two
decades, he has created a broad range of projects that extend
from sinks and chairs to interiors and buildings. His refined sense for
material and classical form have helped him achieve a body of
work that champions understated elegance and warmth above
all else.

Van Duysen studied architecture at the University of Ghent and

established his eponymous practice in Antwerp in 1990. His studio
covers a broad range of work from private homes to interior
concepts to commercial architecture throughout the world, as
well as furniture and decorative objects for Trib, Poliform, and
Swarovski, among others.

Claudio Silvestrin (b. Zurich, 5 September 1954) is an Italian architect

and designer, and a British citizen.

He was educated in Milan, under the guidance of A. G. Fronzoni,

before moving to the Architectural Association in London. From 1986
to 1988, Silvestrin worked in partnership with John Pawson at their
London studio Pawson Silvestrin Architects. In 1989 he established
Claudio Silvestrin Architects, with offices in London and, from 2006, in
Milan.

Considered to be one of the masters of contemporary

minimalism, Silvestrin is admired by international architects and
designers, such as Giorgio Armani and Terence Conran. He is known
for the serene spaces and simple, essential forms of his architecture
and interior design.

Alberto Campo Baeza (born 1946, in Valladolid) is a

Spanish architect, Head Professor of Design at the School of
Architecture of Madrid ETSAM since 1986. He has built a selected
number of very precise buildings and has received many awards.
His work has been exhibited in many major cities and has been
published in major architectural magazines around the world.

His works have been widely recognized. From the Houses

Turgano and de Blas, both in Madrid, to Gaspar House, Asencio
House or Guerrero House in Cdiz, Rufo House in Toledo and
Moliner House in Zaragoza. And the Olnick Spanu House in
Garrison, New York. Or the Centro BIT in Inca-Mallorca, the public
space Between Cathedrals, in Cdiz, or the Caja de Granada
Savings Bank and the MA, the Museum of Memory of Andaluca,
both in Granada. And a nursery for Benetton in Venice. In 2012 he
finished the construction of the Offices in Zamora for the Regional
Government of Castilla y Len. And in 2014 the House of the
Infinite (VT House)in Cdiz. Just now, the Cala House in Madrid, is
under construction.

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 lvaro Joaquim de Melo Siza Vieira, GOSE, GCIH (born 25 June 1933), is a
Portuguese architect, and architectural educator. He is internationally
known as Siza Vieira Among Siza's earliest works to gain public attention was
a public pool complex he created in the 1960s for Lea da Palmeira, a
fishing town and summer resort north of Porto. Completed in 1966, both of
the two swimming pools (one for children, the other for adults) as well as the
building with changing rooms and a cafe are set into the natural rock
formation on the site with unobstructed views of the sea.In 1977, following
the revolution in Portugal, the city government of vora commissioned Siza
to plan a housing project in the rural outskirts of the town. It was to be one of
several that he would do for SAAL (Servicio de Apoio Ambulatorio Local),
the national housing association, consisting of 1,200 low-cost, housing units,
some one-story and some two-story row houses, all with courtyards.He was
also a member of the team which reconstructed Chiado, the historic center of Lisbon destroyed by a fire in
1988.

Examples of Minimalist Architecture:

Works or Vincen Van Duysen

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According to the website www.themost10.com, here are the most functional and minimalist house design in
the world.

10 Tuath Na Mara By MacGabhann Architects

The building has a striking modern,

yet minimal appearance which is
perfect in its setting. This is an
example of a one-off house in the
countryside that sits lightly in its
setting and yet has a strong
presence. The house has dark
elements, just as the surrounding
land does, and yet respects and
provides a platform for the beauty of
the scenery by letting it shine through
the building. Tread softly for you
tread upon our Donegal.

09 Conan Play House by Moon Hoon

South-Korean architect Moon Hoon has

designed this toy house for a young couple
and their son in Bangdong, a famous place for
sight seeing and leisure for near by dwellers.
The irregular plot of land situated right in front of
Bangdong lake boasts a beautiful open view of
the lake and a low mountain as a back drop.

08 Stacked House by
naturehumaine

This project was done in collaboration with

the client who wished to build his own
home. The site is located in a back alley of
Montrals Plateau neighborhood and the
design reflects the patchwork of
extensions and renovations typically found
in Plateau alleyways. The constraints of the
site called for a house that was built
upwards versus outwards.

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07 Sosnowski Residence By Chen & Suchart Studio

This fantastic house has been designed by

the talented Chen+ Suchart studio
architects which is sympathetic to its
urban situation. The use of wooden
cladding soften the design, perfectly
complimenting the landscape.

06 Esher House By Wilkinson King Architects

This minimalist house design in the south

east of england is a straightforward, crisp
and clean. It has won design award in a
variety of categories including Winner of
oneoff dwelling Category, Architect of the
Year Award. 2005 and Winner: Best
Residential Design, Daily Telegraph Home
Building and Renovation Award, 2005.

05 Wilton Pool House By Hariri & Hariri

The architecture of the pool house hovers

over a 48x20 pool like a vessel in the water.
On the North there is a spa and an
outdoor/indoor shower, and on the south
there is a roofed veranda acting as an
indoor/outdoor dinning area with a large
opening on the wall framing the landscape
beyond. The area around the pool
becomes a sunken courtyard paved in
travertine with steps and walls of stone.

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04 Water Tower House By Bham Design Studio

The Bham Design Studio started developing this

tower renovation project in 2007, and
eventually it ended up being a single family
apartment, structured on five floors. The terrace
on the top floor gives you a beautiful
panorama, overlooking the Belgian village of
Steenokkerzeel and an outdoor shower!

03 Slide House in Japan by LEVEL Architects

The 1,762 square-foot Nakameguro home designed

by Japanese Studio LEVEL Architects is located in
Meguro-ku, one of the municipalities of Tokyo, Japan.
A staircase wraps around one side of the rectangular
house and the slide encircles the other, giving the
residents the option to descend by the stairs or by
slide.

02 Transparent House By Sou Fujimoto Architects

This Tokyo house by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has hardly

any walls and looks like scaffolding. The few walls that do exist
are mostly glass, making certain spaces secure without adding
privacy.

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01 The Keret House By Jakub Szczsny

The installation designed by Jakub Szczsny for Israeli writer Etgar Keret in the Wola district of Warsaw competes
in Architecture + Living Small. It is built on a triangular plane, with its widest side taking up 152 cm and the
narrow end stretching over only 92 cm thus claiming fame as the worlds narrowest house.

Sources:

En.wikipedia.com

http://jjmbuilders.weebly.com/modern-minimalist-house---3-storey-rooftop-residence.html

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