Minimalism architecture, a philosophy of simplicity and intentionality, has its roots in Japanese Zen, Cubist designs, De Stijl, and Bauhaus designs from the 1920s. These styles share the same purpose of keeping things clean, simple, and functional. Minimalism emerged as an art movement after World War II and rose to prominence as a design aesthetic in the 1960s and 1970s.
Some cite Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as the first leader of minimalist, while others like Donald Judd and other critics rejected decoration and function. The origins of minimalism can be traced back to ancient Greece, the Bauhaus school, and the influence of architectural icons like Walter Gropius, Phillip Johnson, and Le Corbusier.
The Minimalism movement took root in New York in the early 1960s, with artists favoring simple geometric shapes and lines, literal and objective meanings, and shifting away from Abstract Expressionism and its excess layers. The modern style that the word minimalism is most associated with was heavily influenced by the Bauhaus School’s ideal of simplicity.
Minimalism design first appeared in eastern cultures, such as Zen Buddhism, which was strongly influenced by Taoism. The origins of minimalist architecture can be found in the Cubist design movements De Stijl and Bauhaus of the 1920s. A starting point for the dominant strain of minimalism might be Judd’s first solo show in 1963 at the Green Gallery.
In the United States, minimalist architecture took off in the early 1960s, coinciding with a rising interest in minimalist artwork. Minimalism is an extreme form of abstract art developed in the USA in the 1960s and typified by artworks composed of simple geometric shapes based on the principles of minimalism.
📹 What is Modern Architecture? | ARCHITECTURE 101
Modern architecture was the movement that defined 20th century architecture. It was a radical departure from centuries of …
What era is minimalism?
Minimalism emerged in the late 1950s as artists like Frank Stella shifted away from gestural art. It flourished in the 1960s and 1970s, with influential innovators like Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, Agnes Martin, and Robert Morris. The development of minimalism is linked to conceptual art, which also flourished in the same period. Both movements challenged existing art structures and argued that the importance of the art object was misplaced, leading to a rigid and elitist art world. Minimalism offers a purified form of beauty, representing qualities such as truth, order, simplicity, and harmony.
Who founded minimalism?
Minimal art, also known as ABC art, emerged from reductionist tendencies in modern art, first appearing in 1913 with a composition by Russian painter Kasimir Malevich. Minimalist sculptors like Donald Judd, Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, Tony Smith, Anthony Caro, Sol LeWitt, John McCracken, Craig Kaufman, Robert Duran, and Robert Morris grew out of dissatisfaction with Action painting, a branch of American Abstract Expressionism that dominated American avant-garde art until the 1950s.
Minimalists believed that art should not refer to anything other than itself, and used the hard edge, simple form, and linear approach to emphasize two-dimensionality and allow for an immediate visual response. They drew inspiration from Barnett Newman and Ad Reinhardt, exponents of the colour-field branch of Abstract Expressionist painting.
Hard-edge painting is characterized by large, simplified geometric forms on a flat surface, precise contours, and broad areas of bright, unmodulated color stained into unprimed canvas. Minimal hard-edge painting rejects lyrical and mathematical composition, as they are a means of personal expression for the artist. Minimal sculpture is composed of extremely simple, monumental geometric forms made of fiberglass, plastic, sheet metal, or aluminum, either left raw or solidly painted with bright industrial colors. Minimalist sculptors aimed to make their works objective, unexpressive, and non-referential.
What is 1950s architecture called?
Mid-Century Modern is an architectural, interior, and product design style that emerged in the mid-20th century, spanning from 1933 to 1965. The term was first introduced in Cara Greenberg’s 1983 book “Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s”. The Modern Era, which spanned from 1930 to the 1970s in the United States, was characterized by buildings that aimed to the future without referencing historical precedents, expressed functional, technical, or spatial properties, and embraced modern design principles.
The architecture produced during this period took on various forms and represented a range of complex ideologies. The terms used to categorize these resources based on design similarities are not intended to limit or fully define them.
What is 70s architecture called?
In the early 1970s, Modernist trends continued to evolve, with examples of Late Modernism, Brutalism, New Formalism, and Late Expressionism being built into the decade. Variations of Miesian glass and steel buildings shifted towards mirror glass, taut skins, and High Tech Structuralism. The space age and rising concerns about environmentalism spurred more radical “paper architecture” (Ant Farm in the US, Superstudio, Archigram, etc. abroad), space fames, and Metabolist designs, taking the Modernist interest in technological and structural solutions in surprising new directions.
Divergent reactions to mainstream Modernism included a mix of vernacular forms and materials, such as organic shed roofs, wood shingles, and wood siding of the Sea Ranch on the West Coast and Robert A. M. Stern’s reinterpretation of the Shingle Style on the East Coast. Earth tones and traditional materials like wood, brick, and terra cotta were used as veneers to balance and soften spaces of concrete, steel, and glass. Pyramidal and triangular forms broke from the Modernist box.
Robert Venturi’s Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture, published in 1966, challenged the orthodoxy of functionalist Modernism and expressed a desire for complexity and contradiction in architecture that would reflect the “messy vitality” of contemporary society. His book, Learning From Las Vegas, celebrated the “honky-tonk” elements of commercial vernacular and launched the famous “duck” vs. “decorated shed” critique of Modernism.
Charles Jencks’s Language of Post-Modern Architecture, first published in 1977, provided a framework for thinking about, formulating, and understanding the burgeoning architectural movement diverging from Modernism. Postmodern architecture opened up space for humor, irony, pluralism, historicism, vernacular, and low-brow honky-tonk to be part of contemporary architecture.
Who is the father of architectural minimalism?
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a German architect, is considered the father of minimalist architecture in the modern age. He aimed to create modern, industrial-inspired architecture with a minimal structural framework, open space, and industrial materials. His minimalist ethos influenced many 20th and 21st-century architects, who followed his blueprint for modernist, minimalist architecture. Minimalism is architecture pared down to its essential features, with spaces filled with the basics and few architectural elements to avoid clutter.
It has gained widespread acceptance as a reaction against aesthetic excess, aiming to return to a purer, simpler way of living. The minimalist precept emphasizes that “everything is part of everything”, ensuring that all elements form a cohesive whole.
What is minimalist architecture in the 1960s?
Minimalism is a design principle that emphasizes simplicity and clarity in architecture, focusing on clean, uncluttered lines and functionality over ornamentation. Originating in the 1960s and 1970s, it is a popular style for commercial and residential buildings. Key principles of minimalism include simple lines and forms, symmetry and balance, neutral colors, use of natural materials, and functionality.
Minimalist buildings use rectangles, squares, and circles, with a focus on symmetry and balance. They often use a limited palette of neutral colors, such as white, black, and gray, to create a sense of calm and simplicity. Natural materials like wood, stone, and glass also contribute to a sense of warmth and connection to the environment.
Minimalism is popular for its simplicity, efficiency, and timeless quality. It creates a calm and serene atmosphere, making it appealing in a chaotic world. Minimalist buildings can be built quickly and cost-effectively, making them more cost-effective than more ornate designs. Their timeless quality allows them to stand the test of time and be appreciated for their simplicity and beauty.
When did minimalism start in architecture?
Minimalism, an art movement that emerged after World War II, is characterized by clean lines, minimal materials, and a dramatic architectural profile. It gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe being the first leader. Today, minimalist architects like John Pawson and Tadao Ando use glass, concrete, and elements to create elegantly simple structures. Glass is an effective choice for minimalist projects due to its unobtrusive nature, ability to be nearly invisible, and ability to allow ample light to filter into interior spaces.
It can transform an office into a work of art while maintaining functionality. In modern office spaces, translucent, acid-etched glass like AGC Glass North America’s Matelux can create an illusion of increased space, enclosing conference rooms or private offices. Ultra-clear glass can also create office walls, creating a seamless flow of rooms and extending sight lines, incorporating the interior space with the world outside.
Who is the father of minimalism?
German architect Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer of Modernist architecture, introduced the concept of “less is more” to the design world. His minimalist style, known as minimalism, is considered one of the most sought-after design genres today. Mies believed that designs should focus on functionality rather than imagery, ensuring clean and simple imagery. His buildings focused on seamless designs, avoiding barriers between interiors and exteriors.
They showcased simple geometries and extensive use of glass facades, aiming to achieve maximum with minimal forms. By examining his works, one can understand his ideologies from traditionalism to modernism. His minimalist approach has led to thought-provoking designs that continue to inspire architects today.
What is minimalist architecture 1920s?
Minimalistic architecture, influenced by Cubism, Zen philosophy, and Japanese aesthetics, focuses on condensing content and form elements to their minimum level while maintaining product efficiency. Scandinavian design, known for its soft color palette and focus on comfort, also incorporates minimalism in their products. The concept is evident in ceramics, wool products, and lighting systems, with Ikea products being a prime example.
The benefits of minimalistic design in architecture include creating breathing space, being economical, promoting quality over quantity, making spaces easy to maintain, and promoting psychological discharge. Fewer objects and smoother surfaces lead to less cleaning and maintenance, facilitating renovation when needed. The focus on simplicity and simplicity allows for a more peaceful and comfortable environment, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. The success of Ikea products is a testament to the success of minimalistic design in the industry.
What architectural style is from 1920?
The 1920s saw the rise of Art Deco and Gothic Revival architecture styles in New York City. Art Deco, characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and the use of new materials like stainless steel and aluminum, was popular for iconic buildings like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. Gothic Revival, on the other hand, was popular for religious and institutional buildings, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and the use of stone and brick. These styles continue to define the city’s skyline and cultural identity, making the 1920s a significant architectural period in New York City.
When did minimalism peak?
Minimalism, a movement that reached its peak in the mid-1960s to mid-1970s, is still alive and well today. Dia Beacon, a museum showcasing Minimalist pieces, features a permanent collection of famous artists like Michael Heizer. Post-Minimalists like Richard Tuttle and Richard Serra are also prominent. Key characteristics of Minimalism include clarity and simplicity of form, no narrative, emphasis on pure shapes, and often monochromatic surfaces.
📹 How Minimalism Got Toxic: The Dark Side
The project of lifestyle minimalism we see today can be seen as a response to the rampant consumerism of modern lifestyles …
Here in the Netherlands we had Berlage, Dudok and Brandes . These were architects that created houses and buildings for humans . It is perfectly human to make things look good, to decorate and to use bricks and wood and natural stone, or even wicker on a roof . Ask yourself, would I enjoy a good wine on a terras, surrounded by these modernist buildings, would that give the right feel ?
Interesting view and interpretation at 8:30. That is not how is feels to me at all 🤔 For me these buildings grow old pretty fast without maturing. They just age. I understand, why someone can feel weary of a lot of ornaments, especially when they stand for opulence and power. But this total cutback on ornaments radiates for me nothing but lifelessness. The total economization of architecture where the space for human playfulness shrinks. I am trying to understand what the point of this sobriety is so I don’t get angry about it. But so far nothing could really change that. Maybe someone could help here. 🤷♂
The Lever house inspired the former danish modernist architect Arne Jacobsen to build his SAS-hotel in central Copenhagen in 1960, at that time being the only skyscraper in all of Copenhagen. It became so iconic that it was since deemed worthy of preservation, and is now protected against any changes to it here in Denmark. Although, i find most architecture today utterly boring, where you’re wondering if there is any thought behind any of it, i have always respected the modernist movement with their ideas and buildings. Great article as well!
Why do we likie what we like? When I was 5, each Sunday coming from church, I begged to go to the “funny looking” house. I found out the architect was influenced by Wright. My wife and I grew up in traditional homes but ours is very contemporary. We like it for different / overlapping reasons. She thinks it’s clean, not messy, clear, etc. I love the mathematics, the lines, sharpness and lack of extraneous decor. Our home is a glass A-frame with the bottom of the three floors cantilevered from a hill where the house is partially inserted. It pleases us and that’s what’s important. Not a big fan of the International Style.
The single RULE of architecture was the baby thrown out with the batthwater of modern; the result is generations of incompetence — architecture is the design of space for people; as such, everything we can see is architecture — the RULE is the natural phenomenon that binocular humans assign an axis to spaces and to each piece of stuff that defines space; keeping those axis in balance, as they did pre-modern, is the essence of creating feeling = architecture — if i as someone to look out the window, they will stand in the exact center of the window because that is where you get the most information — all the original masters had this ingrained in their pedagogy — it was ceased in ‘52; the semester before i arrived at Cornell School of Architecture and it took me twenty years of trial and error after to find it; and to master it.