Architecture 101: What is Minimalism in Architecture?

Aesthetic purity meets functional simplicity.

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When we think about minimalist architecture and interiors, many of us visualize uncluttered, monochromatic spaces in white, gray, and earthy tones, complementing unadorned, streamlined forms. While some might find these spaces uninviting and cold, others see them as calming and functional. This duality demonstrates that minimalism goes beyond aesthetics, influencing how we experience architecture and space.

Minimalism emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the ornamentation that characterized earlier 20th-century architectural styles, such as Classical Revival and Art Deco. It reduces architecture to its basic forms, embracing the “less is more” principle that architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe popularized. Minimalism focuses on clean lines, simple forms, and minimal ornamentation, allowing for spatial clarity.

Characteristics of Minimalist Architecture

Helmut Lang Concept Store designed by Standard. West Hollywood, California | Photo by Benny Chan | Fotoworks + Jenny Ly.

What are the typical characteristics of minimalist architecture?

Minimalist architecture is characterized by various key design elements that focus on functionality and simplicity. Open floor plans are a common feature in minimalist spaces. They offer a sense of spaciousness, but they also emphasize flexibility and multi-functionality to adapt to different needs. Natural lighting enhances spatial quality, adding warmth and complementing the simplicity of lines and forms. This approach reinforces minimalist architecture’s serene, quiet, and practical nature, embodying the “less is more” principle.

Materials like exposed concrete, steel, glass, wood, and stone are selected for their inherent beauty, introducing subtle richness through texture. Here, the ornamentation comes with the materials’ own qualities. This design approach that focuses on streamlined forms and clean lines requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that every component contributes to the overall cohesiveness of the design.

Habitat 67, designed by Moshe Safdie in 1967. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. | Photo by Thomas Ledl via Wikimedia Commons.

Which architectural styles are minimalism typically associated with?

Minimalism is associated with various architectural styles that share the same principles of simplicity and practicality. They include movements such as modernism, International Style, and Brutalism. Scandinavian design is known for its minimalistic design approach, prioritizing functionality, simplicity and comfort. Additionally, minimalist influence is evident in many examples of contemporary architecture, where clean lines and functional design continue to reflect minimalist ideals.

“Jude’s Cubes” concrete art by minimalist artist Donald Judd. Chinati Foundation, Marfa, Texas, US. | Photo by John Cummings via Wikimedia Commons.

What is the relationship between minimalist architecture and other minimalist movements?

Minimalist architecture shares connections with other minimalist movements in the visual arts and product design. They are unified by a focus on essential elements. Minimalist architecture’s emphasis on the use of materials like wood, stone, steel, concrete and glass — often presented in their natural, unaltered state — is mirrored in minimalist sculpture, where artists like Donald Judd utilize similar materials to create works that highlight form, space and the observer’s experience. Both minimalist architecture and art create contemplative experiences: architecture focuses attention on light, shadow and space, while minimalist art evokes serenity and introspection through subdued color palettes and simple compositions.

History of Minimalist Architecture

Bauhaus Desssau, School of Art, Design, and Architecture designed by Walter Gropius and built between 1925 and 1926. Dessau-Roßlau, Germany. | Photo by Tegula, via Pixabay.

Can the Bauhaus be considered a precursor to minimalism?

The Bauhaus can be considered a precursor to minimalism. Founded in Germany in 1919 by Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus emerged as a reaction against the ornamentation that characterized earlier 20th-century architectural styles, such as Classical Revival and Art Deco. In contrast with these styles, the Bauhaus embraced simple forms, clean lines, and minimal ornamentation, influenced by earlier art movements such as De Stijl. Additionally, the Bauhaus promoted a “form follows function” ethos, highlighting a design approach where every element in a space or structure is intentional and functional.

The Bauhaus also embraced the use of materials like glass, steel and concrete — all key elements of minimalist architecture. The Bauhaus ideals generated a series of movements that extended its legacy. Among them, the International Style, developed in the 1920s and 1930s, carried the principles of simplicity and functionalism to a global architectural scale, emphasizing open floor plans, simple forms, clean lines, and a deliberate lack of ornamentation.

Traditional Japanese house interior. | Photo by TANAKA Juuyoh via Flickr.

What role did traditional Japanese design play in the rise of minimalism?

Traditional Japanese design brought a philosophy of mindful simplicity and harmony with nature that resonated with the core principles of minimalism. It introduced a philosophy of restraint and harmony that appealed to minimalist architects. This approach emphasizes the beauty of restraint, where spaces foster a sense of tranquility. Key elements such as open layouts, natural materials and a connection to the outdoors resonate with minimalist architects, who seek to create serene environments that prioritize functionality and well-being.

Alvar Aalto Studio. | Photo by Jonathan Platteau via Wikimedia Commons under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Why is Scandinavia so closely associated with minimalism?

Characterized by bright, airy interiors and a neutral color palette, Scandinavian design embodies the principles of minimalism by prioritizing simplicity and clean lines. This aesthetic avoids clutter, creating a serene environment that promotes well-being. The use of natural materials like wood and stone adds warmth and fosters a sense of harmony with nature, which is central to minimalist ideals. Notable figures like Alvar Aalto exemplify this integration, as his designs reflect a commitment to simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to the natural environment.
Moreover, Scandinavian design emphasizes quality, enhancing the hygge experience — a Danish lifestyle philosophy centered on comfort, coziness, and well-being. By combining hygge with minimalist principles, this design approach results in visually appealing and comfortable spaces that promote warmth and contentment.

Case Studies

What are famous examples of minimalism in architecture?

The Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe (Barcelona, Spain, 1929): This construction is a landmark of minimalist architecture with its simple yet elegant form using glass, steel, and marble. Its open plan, clean lines, material quality, and attention to detail embody the core principles of minimalism.
Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier (Poissy, France, 1931): It is often categorized as a modernist work but embodies many minimalist principles, particularly through Le Corbusier’s “Five Points of Architecture.” The house’s simple form, open floor plan, and deliberate lack of ornamentation showcase a minimal, functional approach, making it a precursor to minimalist design.
The Glass House by Philip Johnson (New Canaan, Connecticut, 1949): Johnson’s Glass House is a minimalist pavilion with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that blurs indoor-outdoor boundaries. The house’s simplicity and limited material palette allow the landscape to become an integral part of the design.

The Future of Minimalist Architecture

Reiters Reserve Premium Suites designed by BEHF Architects. Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria. | Photo by Kurt Hörbst

What are the criticisms of minimalist architecture?

Minimalist architecture is widely admired for its clean aesthetic, but critics argue that its bare appearance can feel cold and create a sense of emptiness. Functionally, minimalist spaces can also be perceived as impractical, with limited storage and furnishings that sometimes prioritize aesthetics over comfort. In recent years, critics have hailed the return of maximalism as a culturally subconscious response to these criticisms.

Despite its simplicity, minimalist spaces can be costly to achieve, as their refined look generally requires high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Ultimately, minimalist architecture strikes a delicate balance: while it aims at creating uncluttered and serene spaces, it can sacrifice warmth and functionality in its quest for perfection. This ongoing debate challenges designers and architects to find new ways to balance minimalism’s purity with the hygge and functionality that make spaces feel both comfortable and practical.