Less is more. This is the main principle of the minimalism movement that’s currently sweeping the world of architecture and home design. We all believe in the saying, “Simplicity is beauty,” and this movement take that saying’s meaning to a whole new level.
But what is minimalism? Minimalism began in 1960s, the year where artists started rejecting the lavish and over the top designs that previous movements previously embodied. In the previous movements, the design has become too much that it already forgotten the function of the subject. This movement can be traced back to Japan, back in the Higashiyama era. The aesthetic notion of wabi-sabi from Japan is all about finding beauty in elegant simplicity. Today, minimalism architecture is a reaction against the grand yet corrupt architecture of earlier structures like churches.
We listed down below the three fundamental keys of achieving minimalist architecture.
- Shape and asymmetry: In minimalism, shape prevails. It’s all about highlighting the geometry in the architecture of the house.
- Pop of color: White is the main color of the minimalist design. It’s clean and matches every color scheme that can be imagined. By the use of color you can highlight the most important parts of the exterior such as the windows, the grills or even the gates.
- Big windows: Windows are great for natural lighting. It also adds classiness to the whole exterior of the house.
- Simple materials: Of course, the structure itself is not the only one that has to convey the message of minimalism. The materials should also be low key and non-hazardous. Minimalism is, after all, all about creating art out of the simplest materials.
Minimalism in architecture has truly changed in the past few years. It also gave birth to the best architects there is in the world. Here are some of the most influential minimalist architects and their structural masterpieces:
1. Tadao Ando
For Ando, it’s all about the use of materials. This popular Japanese architect uses natural wood and basic structural materials to achieve good lighting on his chosen space.
2. Kazuyo Sejima
Another popular Japanese architect known for minimalism is Kazuyo Sejima who is known for using thin construction and transparent elements into her structures.
3. Antoine Predock
This popular minimalist architect from Missouri is famous for his use of clay and sand as inspiration in creating his beautiful masterpieces.
4. Álvaro Siza Vieira
This internationally acclaimed Portuguese architect is known for taking risk when it comes to creating sharp and cutting edge architectural shapes.
Of course the Philippines has its own fair share of good minimalist architecture. Minimalist architecture is very popular today in different homes in the country because it allows us to fill up traditional blank spaces with color palette of earthy tones like rich browns, ecru, and brassy colors – a true classic here in the Philippines. Below are some great examples home exteriors that are truly proud to be modern and minimalist.
1. Earthy sophistication
Use warm earth colors to give emphasis on the non-traditional shape of your home.
2. Clean cut
The clean and clear windows give the house a smart and sophisticated feel. It also gives a sharp edge to the whole exterior.
3. Simple yet edgy
The clean and clear windows give the house a smart and sophisticated feel. It also gives a sharp edge to the whole exterior.
Minimalism is here to stay as long as the need for simplicity is there. Hop on the trend today and we’re sure that you won’t regret it!