Buildings, like people, are ever-changing and always evolve with time, but it is important to remember that the past is what shapes the future. While exploring new architectural styles is fun, it is essential to remember the essence of each style and understand that every architectural movement was a reaction to an action. For this reason, designing with intention is what maintains soul in buildings, whether they are intended to be classic or minimal. This article will explore minimalism in art and architecture and its relationship with classic timelessness.
Overview: What is Minimalism?
When talking about minimalistic art, we talk about literalism instead of expressionism. The art piece is appreciated for being itself. The same applies for buildings and structures; they standout for their shape and cleanliness, and their connection to their surroundings. Nevertheless, minimalism does not indicate the absence of detail, in fact, it requires more detail than that of art that has meaning and symbolism to back it up. Features such as color, form, shape are all chosen with intention and precision to convey the message of the art piece or building design to people.
Minimalism transformed the way people think and live their lives, which influenced the way architects design buildings. When discussing minimalism in architecture, we emphasize on the importance of simplicity that is essentially traced back to traditional Mediterranean vernacular architecture. Back then, buildings were designed in harmony with the surrounding environment, using local materials, and avoiding unnecessary decoration or complexity. The Mediterranean is known for its multicultural traditions and several design languages that coexisted, focusing on white, simple buildings that remain complex because of their depth. Architects who were influenced by the modern movement and Mediterranean traditions are Eduardo Souto de Moura and Alberto Campo Baeza. They based their designs on clean geometric lines and incorporated white into their buildings.
Back in the time, architecture was designed to be useful and comfortable, which automatically made it beautiful (minimal). Unlike today, where buildings require so much effort to become architectural masterpieces—even minimalist ones—so much unintentional thought and effort is put into each design that, in some cases, they end up lacking soul.
The true meaning of minimalism lies in the way one lives their life. Back then, “minimalism” was not just about extremely simple designs in art or architecture; it was a way of life, where minimalists would ask themselves: “What is my purpose?” “How can I have a meaningful life?” “What do I need to be happy?”. These questions transformed into drivers of art and design and merging life’s simplicity and beauty into architecture, creating a minimal building with deep meaning and original aesthetics.
“To make living itself an art, that is the goal.” -Henry Miller
In simple terms, minimalism can be described as the idea of stripping away the unnecessary things in life. It is now used in the psychology of our everyday lives in everything that we do, to simply be happy, and that is how the modern and minimalist movement influenced popular culture and the entire world. Research indicates that having less unimportant possessions that we do not really need makes us happier individuals. These studies were also seen in the architecture field and the rise of minimalism with one of its pioneers, Mies Van Der Rohe, where he stated that “Less is More.” His building designs are tangible proof that designing with intention and cleanliness can also turn out to be beautiful and well-detailed. As previously stated, less is more does not necessarily mean that the design itself is too simple to the point where it does not carry any meaning, it just requires one to work on a piece of art with intention and understanding, which is what architect Van Der Rohe clearly did with his projects.
Timelessness of Classic Design and Minimalism
Classic designs, often referred to as ‘timeless’, essentially mean that they have no expiration date. They are eternally meaningful and unique and never go out of style. Whether in architecture, interior design, fashion, or any form of art, timeless designs are made with intention and understanding of context, culture, and history.
The key differences between timeless classic designs and minimalism:
- Classic designs include a myriad usage of decoration and ornaments while minimal designs emphasize simplicity.
- Timeless designs are often connected to history and culture whereas minimal designs ensure being universal and not related to a specific period.
- Nostalgia and warmth are feelings associated with classical art and architecture whereas minimalism evokes senses of peace and calm.
Both classic and minimalist art are designed with intention and share the same goal of being timeless, making them significant throughout all periods, rather than short-lived. Examples of such art include the famous Parthenon in Greece, considered a historical classic associated with Athens. As well asthe Barcelona Pavilion in Spain, which is minimalist and modern. Although both buildings were designed with different intentions, in different time periods, and by different architects, they share the concept of timelessness.
4 Examples of Timeless Minimal Architecture
The Barcelona Pavilion (1929)
The Barcelona Pavilion was designed in 1929 by the father of minimalism, Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, and was originally the German pavilion representing Germany in the International exposition in Barcelona. Unlike other pavilions in the exposition, Mies Van Der Rohe designed this one with a clear intention of housing nothing inside to allow people to connect with the building and its surroundings.
The pavilion remains timeless and is still appreciated until today because of the architects’ use of a combination of luxurious materials like marble, travertine, onyx, steel, and glass. The minimalist structure had an open floor plan, creating a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces and an immersive experience for whoever enters. Another key aspect that contributed to its timelessness was that Mies Van Der Rohe designed the furniture inside, such as the Barcelona chair and stool.
Farnsworth House (1951)
Located in Illinois, near Chicago, the Farnsworth House was designed by one of the most influential architects of his time, Mies van der Rohe. The building is considered timeless due to its simple use of materials, including full glass facades and steel. This design allows for maximum connection to the natural surroundings, with the building’s appearance changing depending on the weather and seasons. The structure also has a lightweight, floating feel, as it is elevated on steel columns for both aesthetic and functional reasons, including protection from flooding.
Salk Institute (1965)
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is a research institute commissioned by its founder, Jonas Salk, who founded the polio vaccine. The building is in San Diego, California, designed by architect Louis Kahn. Jonas Salk wanted a center that showcased science’s impact on humanity, and this is where The Salk Institute’s inspiration came from. The founder also emphasized that he wanted to ‘create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso’ which resulted in a space that attracts visitors because of its aesthetics and functionality.
The building design is timeless because of its symmetrical and balanced design that creates a calm and peaceful appeal to it. Materials used that contribute to its timelessness are unfinished concrete, teak wood, glass, along with the linear water channel across the courtyard. The institute was also designed to be connected to its surroundings including the ocean, and natural light plays a huge role in enhancing the building’s look and feel.
Tadao Ando’s Church of Light (1989)
Located in Ibaraki, Japan, Tadao Ando’s Church of Light is a perfect example of the interplay between light and space. The building is designed using only two materials: smooth reinforced concrete and glass. Despite the minimal use of materials, each opening and placement is carefully considered to create a visually, spiritually, and architecturally appealing masterpiece. It is a perfect example of Mies van der Rohe’s saying, ‘God is in the details.’
In all my works, light is an important controlling factor. I create enclosed spaces mainly by means of thick concrete walls. The primary reason is to create a place for the individual, a zone for oneself within society. When the external factors of a city’s environment require the wall to be without openings, the interior must be especially full and satisfying. – Tadao Ando
4 Examples of Timeless Classic Architecture
The Parthenon (447-432 BC)
The Parthenon is the most iconic architectural monument found in Athens, Greece dedicated to the Goddess of Athena. It was built between 447 and 432 BCE by Greek architects, Ictinus and Callicrates who were commissioned to design a building dedicated to the goddess, Athena. The temple witnessed many transformations but remained timeless because of its simple structure which includes ancient architectural doric columns arranged in a symmetrical and proportional manner.
The Parthenon includes 46 outer columns and 23 inner ones that support a main hall area (cella). Inside the cella stands a colossal statue of Athena made of gold and ivory. The walls are adorned with decorative elements that showcase Greek mythology like the scene of Athena’s birth. The entire structure is considered simple, yet classic and timeless because of its detail-oriented approach and its connection to Greece which remains strong until today.
Notre-Dame Cathedral (AD 70-80)
Known as Notre Dame de Paris or ‘Our Lady of Paris’ is a cathedral dedicated to Virgin Mary and was built between the 12th and 14th century. The Notre Dame is a well-known French Gothic architectural monument that is appreciated and visited by many until today. The building is a representation of the history, culture, and people of Paris, – a tangible proof of the city’s past. True to the Gothic architecture style, the Notre Dame is famous for its flying buttresses, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, rose windows, gargoyles and grotesque statues, transepts and naves, and soaring spires. All these elements made up the cathedral and witnessed many historical events throughout the decades yet remained beautiful and an integral part of the city.
The U.S. Capitol Building (Washington, D.C., USA, 1793-1800)
The US Capitol Building is a neoclassical structure situated in Washington, D.C. USA, where congressmen meet to discuss, debate, and host events such as inaugurations and other national ceremonies. The building was designed by architect William Thornton, in 1793 along with many other architects who contributed to its development throughout the years, including Benjamin Henry Latrobe and Thomas U. Walter. Inspired by Greek and Roman classical architecture, the Capitol Building is known for its symmetrical design and statue of freedom that stands on top of the massive central dome, both of which represent the principles of the United States which are democracy and liberty.
Monticello (Charlottesville, USA, 1769–1809)
Monticello is a plantation home designed and owned by the architect and third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, who was also the author of the Declaration of Independence. It was named Monticello which means ‘little mountain’ in Italian because it is situated on a hill near Charlottesville, Virginia. The building is an architectural monument, designed with inspiration from the Palladian and neoclassical architectural styles with its central domed roof, symmetrical layout, and traditional columns.
Besides its architectural significance, the plantation was home to over 600 African Americans who worked there that Jefferson ‘owned’ at the time. Monticello was his lifelong home where he lived, worked, enslaved people, wrote his insights, and died. The building is well-known until today and serves as a museum for people to come and explore its architecture and learn about Thomas Jefferson’s life and legacy.
