Minimalist architecture is an architectural style that is popular in the modern era.
This architectural style is based on the use of simple and functional elements,
as well as the reduction of excessive decorative elements and ornaments.
Minimalist architecture emphasizes cleanliness, order, and the use of quality
materials to create an organized, elegant and modern space.
history of Minimalist Architecture
Minimalist
architecture emerged in the 1960s in the United States as a reaction against
modern architectural styles that were excessive and wasted materials.
Architects such as Mies van der Rohe and Richard Neutra were pioneers of
minimalist architecture, with their style focused on the use of quality
materials and the functionality of spaces.
Minimalist
architecture then spread throughout the world, including in Japan, where the
use of natural and simple materials in architecture has become a tradition.
Japanese architects such as Tadao Ando and Kazuyo Sejima are some of the
leading architects who apply a minimalist architectural style in their works.
Features of Minimalist Architecture
Minimalist architecture has several
distinctive characteristics, namely:
Use of
simple and functional elements Minimalist architecture prioritizes the use of
simple and functional elements. These elements are usually made from materials
such as concrete, wood, glass, and steel. Geometric shapes such as cubes,
spheres, and tubes are also often used in minimalist architecture.
Reduction
of decorative elements and ornaments Minimalist architecture emphasizes the
reduction of decorative elements and ornaments. Instead, the architect chose to
prioritize the quality of materials, colors and textures. The use of neutral
colors and quality materials such as wood and natural stone is often used to
add warmth to the room.
Cleanliness
and order Minimalist architecture emphasizes cleanliness and order in its
design. Rooms are designed to have a clean and orderly appearance. Lighting and
air circulation are also considered in the design to create a pleasant and
comfortable atmosphere.
Focus on
function and usability Minimalist architecture always focuses on function and
usability. Rooms are designed to meet functional requirements, with the
appropriate layout and size. Placement of furniture and accessories is also
considered to provide comfort and ease of use of the room.
Examples of Minimalist Architecture
Here are
some examples of well-known minimalist architecture:
Farnsworth
House, USA Designed by architect Mies van der Rohe in 1951
Farnsworth
House is one of the most famous examples of minimalist architecture in the
world. This building is located in the suburbs of Chicago, United States, and
was designed by architect Mies van der Rohe in 1951. Farnsworth House has a
simple geometric shape, consisting of a large cube with a flat roof.
This
building was designed using simple and high-quality materials, such as glass,
concrete and steel. The glass used in Farnsworth House is tempered glass, which
is resistant to impact and pressure. This glass makes the building appear light
and transparent, and allows natural light to enter the room.
The
rooms within Farnsworth House are designed to meet functional requirements. The
main room serves as the living and dining area, with glass walls that open wide
to connect the room to the surroundings. Bedrooms, bathrooms and wardrobes are
also located within the building.
Farnsworth
House's design emphasizes cleanliness and order. Rooms are designed to look
clean and tidy, with minimalist furniture and accessories. Lighting is also
heavily considered in the design, with the use of soft lights to create a
serene and comfortable atmosphere.
Tadao Ando Museum of Art, Japan
The Tadao Ando Museum of Art is another example of world-famous
minimalist architecture. This building is located on the island of Naoshima in
Japan, and was designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando in 1995.
This
building has a simple shape, consisting of a large cube with a flat roof. The
facade of the building is made of white concrete, which gives it a serene and
elegant impression. The Tadao Ando Museum of Art also has a garden with
symmetrically designed rock gardens.
The
rooms in the Tadao Ando Museum of Art are designed with a focus on function and
usability. The rooms are separated by thick concrete walls, which allows for
flexible room arrangements. Lighting has also been carefully considered, with
the use of a skylight that allows natural light to enter the room.
Glasshouse, United States of America
The
Glass House is an example of minimalist architecture built in 1949 by the
famous architect Philip Johnson. This building is located in Connecticut, United
States, and consists of a large cube with a flat roof and glass walls.
The
Glass House design is very simple and minimalist. Rooms inside the building are
separated by glass walls, which allows occupants to see the surroundings from
inside the building. Furniture and accessories in the Glass House are also very
minimalist, with the use of neutral colors and
Villa Savoye, France
Villa
Savoye is one of the most famous examples of modernist architecture in France.
This building was designed by the famous architect, Le Corbusier, in 1928 and
is located in Poissy, France. Villa Savoye is a symbol of the principles of
modernism in architecture, namely function, form and technology.
The
Villa Savoye building has a simple shape, with white walls made of concrete.
The shape of the building is a cube with a flat roof, emphasizing simplicity
and minimalism. The interior of the building is also designed in a minimalist
style, using neutral colors and simple furniture.
One of
the interesting features of Villa Savoye is the use of pilotis or pillars
rising from below the building to support the building above. In addition, this
building also has a terrace made with large glass windows, allowing natural
light to enter the room.
Houses at Sagaponac, United States of
America
Houses at Sagaponac is a housing project located in East
Hampton, New York, United States. This project was designed by a group of
renowned architects, including Richard Meier and Peter Eisenman, with a
minimalist and modern concept.
Every
house at Houses at Sagaponac is designed with the same minimalist character.
The building consists of cubes with white walls and a flat roof. Apart from
that, the supporting pillars are also placed outside the building, giving the
impression of a floating building.
The
interior of the house is designed using neutral colors and minimalist
furniture. The main room is designed as an open space with large glass walls
that allow natural light to enter the room. This gives the impression of a
bright and spacious building.
Church of the Light, Japan
Church
of the Light is a church located in Osaka, Japan, and designed by architect
Tadao Ando in 1989. This church has a simple and minimalist shape, consisting
of a cube with concrete walls and giant windows that stretch from top to
bottom. .
This
church was designed to take advantage of natural light and give the impression
of a bright room. Colossal glass windows extend along the front wall of the
building, allowing natural light to enter the church and create a dramatic
effect at sunset.
The
interior of the church is designed in a minimalist manner, with the use of
thick concrete walls and simple furniture. The rooms are separated by concrete
walls, and natural light enters the rooms through large windows on the front
wall.
Conclusion
Minimalist
architecture emphasizes simplicity and function, as well as usability
give closing
Minimalist
architecture has proven itself as an architectural style that is durable and
continues to be relevant today. With a simple and minimalist design, this
architecture not only provides an attractive aesthetic, but also efficiency and
comfort for the occupants. In the future, minimalist architecture is expected
to continue to develop and provide innovative solutions in designing buildings
that are environmentally friendly and functional.