What is minimalism?
Minimalism is a movement in the visual arts that originated in New York in the 1960’s. The trend is especially popular in interior design and architecture. It’s basic philosophy is to promote the things that are truly valuable and remove everything else that is not essential.
Minimalist architects and interior
designers try to achieve simplicity by using white elements, cold lighting and
large spaces with minimum objects and furniture. They avoid complex curves,
ornate designs and any other feature that is seen as a distraction or
complication to a basic design. Wall surfaces are light-coloured and windows
are large, allowing an abundance of natural light into the house. There is an
emphasis or restraint.
Famous minimalist architects include
German Architect Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe and Japanese Tadao Ando. The motto ‘Less
is more’ was coined by Rohe. Apple founder Steve Jobs was a minimalist and this
is reflected in the way he designed Apple products like the iPad, iPod and
iPhone.
Minimalist design has been deeply
influenced by Japanese traditional design and architecture. The latter is
inspired by Zen philosophy that teaches one to unclutter the mind and to live
simply with few possessions. In an earthquake-prone country like Japan,
minimalism is practical as most earthquake injuries happen due to falling
objects.
