History of Architecture (AP313) | Essay | 2013

TOPIC

Essay for History of Architecture (AP131)

SHREYA GERA

Roll Number: 08616901611

Sushant School of Art and Architecture

MINIMALISM is an artist movement that attempts to reduce a work of art to

the number of color,shapes, lines and textures. It does not attempt to

represent or symbolize any other object or experience. The basic idea is to

create art that does not mean anything but still has an artistic value .

There is a parallel with Dada art in respect to the lack of meaning of the

work but the real difference lies in the artistic value of the object, which is

non existent in Dada . At any rate minimalism has lasted for several decades

andis still considered to exert a great influence on not only contemporary art

but also their descilines such as music, dance , design, and architecture.

Minimalism was a reaction to the emotions and expressions belonging to

abstract expressionism. Minimalism was initially dominant in sculpture

where the works of Donal Judd, Carl Andre are mentioned.

Soon this creative approach bagan to win over followers among

contemporary architects. Hence the architectural roots can be found, to a

greater or lesser degree in minimalism.

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Essay | 2013

Minimalist architecture describes a style characterized by an imperial

austerity, plain geometric configuration and industrially processed materials.

An example to this is bahaus school where Functionality and simplicity were

combined with aesthetics, to produce a purer form of design. Previously, Art
Nouveau had been about creating ornate, complicated, decorative products.
The Bauhaus reduced the complexity of design to simplicity, functionality
and a pure form of aesthetics.

For Gregotti, architectural minimalism is a part of a broader tendency to

supress what is excessive in artistic practice , on the basis of discovering

elementary , archetypal gestures. According to him there should be literal

use of materials that satisfy the term minimal and no ornamentation done

on the façade treatment. In the space of reduction, comprised only primary

architectural elements , light and material, the relation between the user and

spatial unit is intensifiefd.

According to Avon and Vragnaz , they relate minimalism with an experience

of emptiness, originating from Buddhist tradition. As a key of Japanese

minimalism there was a spirit of the wabi- moral principle, which advocates

simplistic characterstics. Wabi is based on a Zen concept, according to which

separation from material possessions leads to self realization and self

liberation.

Meis Vander Rohe, Gunnard Asplund and Adolf Loos were staunchly against

the ornamentation or anything that would have a disguising effect.

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Essay | 2013

“Less Is More” , Van der Rohe‟s famous phrase, emphasizes the idea of

giving maximum power to architectural space by not providing any

accessory. Hence as rightly said by him” the fewer elements that make up a

work, the more eloquent it will be.”

Minimalism takes great advantage of light in order to highlight the qualities

of a material and to add dynamism to a space. Large windows and

translucent parameters allow light to enter in a diffuse form. As a

consequence shadows become blurred and objects tend to appear

suspended. Therefore the object and space they occupy acquire a certain

relationship. On certain occasions , natural light produces a pattern in the

space , and its changing position let us know of the passing of time or the

change of season.

Moreover the way materials are used are also noteworthy. Architects

carefully select wood , stone, plaster or concrete , depending on what they

wish to express. The choice of material is in harmony with this quest of

minimalism and simplicity. As far as planning part is concernerd application

of simple basic shape is ensured in order to harmonise with simplicity ad

minimalism.

The idea of using staircase without risers , laying furniture in a way to

integrate it into the architecture so as to make it the largest surface area

available for use and to afford a genereal feeling of spaciousness are the key

factors.

From a house in San Francisco‟s to a Buddhist temple, to a mountain shelter

in Switzerland , minimalist architecture canvases most efficient building

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Essay | 2013

designs ensuring the strategy of „less is more‟ being followed which

economizes space , light , and mass and can lend itself to aesthetic yet

functional structures . Minimalism‟s unique use of shapes , lines and

materials gives way to strong simplistic designs. Here focus was more on

functionality and simplicity.

Is Minimalist architecture a style or a philosophical statement?

Study of Japanese spirituality related to minimalism in architecture links it to

traditional theories. Japanese minimalism is a tribute to emptiness, moral

encouragement and self realization.

The most influential English Minimalist architect , Pawson‟s works are a great

influence of japanese influence. He uses the concept of simplicity and

reduction as the key to understand minimalism.

The contrast between the loud and the quiet in terms of architectural is

represented as minimalist sophistication. Hence it is not seen as a style but

rather as a philosophy of life, which offers visual peace in the chaos of urban

life. Minimalism is a perceptive therapy for liberation from everyday hustle

and relaxing in the peaceful paradise of elegant simplicity.

According to Italian designer Vignelli suggests that minimalism is not a style,

it is a behaviour, a reaction to visual noise.

But One common criticism of minimalism in architecture - or in design in

general - is that it is aesthetically cold and that it creates an unwelcoming

home environment. Proponents of the design style argue that in fact

minimalism is more welcoming than more ornate styles of design. They say

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History of Architecture (AP313) | Essay | 2013

that taking the "less is more" approach creates a relaxing, calming

environment free of all of the clutter that demands attention in more ornate

design styles.

According to Bernotti , minimalism avoids the impression of coldness using

tactile material qualities and texture subtlety. Sensory and bodily experience

of non cluttered space is underlined. In reality, it all comes down to a matter

of taste. Some people prefer grandiose architecture while some prefer simple

and clean styles. The principles of minimalism can be applied poorly, which

can indeed be stark, but properly employed, minimalism can be elegant and

inviting.

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