MINIMALISM

What is minimalism?
Minimalism was the reaction to abstract expressionism.
What is Expressionism ?
Expressionist architecture was an architectural movement that developed in Europe during the first decades of the
20th century in parallel with the expressionist visual and
performing arts that especially developed and dominated in germany.
Minimalism :
• Started in 1960s in U.S.
• The forms are abstract , clean , simple and are machine made .
• Described in art , design and music .
• Influenced by Japanese traditional design and architecture .
Minimalist architecture, sometimes referred to as 'minimalism', involves the use of simple design elements,
without ornamentation or decoration.
• While many cultures practice concepts of aesthetic simplicity, Minimalism draws its
greatest influence from Japan.

• Minimalism is a Western art movement that appears after World War II. Since
that time, it has remained an enduring aesthetic choice that continues to appear
in contemporary art and design.
Minimalist Architecture
• Minimalist architecture finds its roots not only in Japanese culture, but also Bauhaus
and the De Stijl movements of the 1920s. De Stijl’s use of abstraction and simplicity
combined with Bauhaus’ interest in using industrial materials and reducing forms are
essential characteristics of Minimalist architecture.
• By condensing design to its essential elements and focusing on form, light, space, and
materials, Minimalist architecture achieves harmony through simplicity.
Common characteristics of minimalist architecture
•Pure geometric forms.
•Simple, limited and plain materials.
•Neat and straight components.
•Repetition to give a sense of order and unification.
•Simple, open spaces.
•'Clean' lines.

Minimalist Architecture :
Tadao Ando ( Japan ,1941 )
Alberto Campo Baeza (Spain , 1946 ) Barcelona Pavilion,
Mies van der Rohe.
Luis Barragan (Mexico , 1902 – 1988 )
John Pawson ( UK , 1949)
Claudio Silvestrin ( Itly , 1954 )