Minimalism nature and environment - Essay Example

IRCharacteristics of minimalism nature and environment Introduction Minimalism is a trend in architecture aimed as reducing the over decoration that was in the previous work. It tends to reduce the non essential parts of the art work leaving the essential parts to express more. The slogan ‘less is more’ forms the basis of this approach in design that emphasis on workability, simplicity and aesthetic keenness on distinctive style. Minimalism in architecture seeks to build each space with the lowest number of elements, so as to eliminate or avoid anything that might be fitting (Kevin10). There is minimum use of walls in the interior creating an open space and large glass windows that integrate the interior to the outside environment. Open spaces are preferred, with high walls and ceilings. A functional harmonious connection with the environment outside such that everything is smooth, calm and orderly is also preferred. The essence is to have serenity without cluttered ornamentation. (Kenneth 23). For precise decoration, clear lines and neatly arranged geometry is prioritized. Furniture is at almost ground level, with absolute monochromatic roofs, floors and walls, complemented by furniture. Natural lighting is utilized with bright walls and mirrors placed strategically to reflect light. Water and rain are used to create a natural feeling of being in the exterior. The structure way is surrounded by a pool of water or opening its windows towards flowing water. This has a psychological effect of calming and concentration due to the aqua-therapy (Jacek 3). Complex shadows are generated by the lighting such that the form patterns in the interior. The focal point of light is strategically place to allow entry that gives the intended pattern of shadows. It adds serenity to the design by giving light the intended mood such as falling, misty, bare, living, falling, limited, soft, and calm. This depends on the intended use for the space and the lighting needs of the users. One of the famous minimalist architects is Tadao Ando. He is a Japanese native who has influence the field by revolutionizing the minimalistic approach to design. Some of his famous work include Azoma house- Osaka, Inamori Auditorium-Kagoshima, Church of Light –Ibaraki among others. These architectural pieces have integrated the environmental factors of light, rain, water and shadows (Kevin 10). Azoma House-Osaka Japan The structure of the house is made up three equal rectangular blocks. One of them is the place in the middle to serve as an open courtyard for the house. It is appearance, and spatial organization, allow its user to experience and appreciate the richness of space within the geometry. The geometrical organization emphasizes on emptiness and free space to represent the beauty of simplicity (Tadao 1). The space left flanking in the interior courtyard creates an attempt to return the contact with light, air, rain, and other natural elements to the Japanese life-style. Besides providing natural lighting to the house it also serves as the focal point of family life. The open court is a spatial entity that tries to compensate for the reduced physical space by reinstating the traditional model of the family having a shared open yard by applying modern creativity and innovation (Tadao 1). House provides a secluded space away from the commotion and noise of the city opening only to the sky. This serves as a window that allows light, wind and rainwater into the house. This is a way of accepting nature to seep into the spirit of the people inside. The walls of the courtyard are made of concrete, glass and slate ( Tadao 1). This material reflects incident light creating complex shadows which have calmed psychological effect on the person especially because of the absence of ornament. An environment for meditation and spiritual reflecting are created. During wet seasons when it gets really cold one would need to have an umbrella when crossing over to the washrooms and the main- house (Tadao1). Inamori Auditorium- Fagoshima, Japan The basic design of the structures has an appearance of an egg inside open cuboids. This aesthetic item applies minimalism. The large glass wall on the front side allows natural light into the building. The wall of the concrete egg and the rest of the building reflect the sunray maximizing on the use of environmental friendly energy. Inside the concrete eggshell there are illuminating threads of optical fiber on the concave walls allowing sunlight to be transmitted into the hall (Kevin 15). In the afternoons, the trees outside cast a shadow on the concrete egg creating a cooling effect on the bright sunlight. The slopes of the concrete which cast shadows that have a similar effect. The grilled ventilation cover has a psychological impact of distracting the observer since they form a pattern. At sunset the clear glass allows sunrays to be split forming a light spectrum and a bright pattern that makes those inside (Tadao, 2). The solid glass wall gives the observer a connection with the outdoor environment even as they continue with their activities. The balcony at the apex of the dome allows air to flow in and standing there one gets an impression of being suspended (Tadao 3). Church of light The church structure is built on the framework of minimalistic approach and the relationship between nature and architecture. This demonstrates the way light can define and create new spatial perception in concrete structures. Church of the Light was a renovation of a Christian compound in Ibaraki (Tadao 3). The features of the building demonstrate the dual nature of relation between solid-void, light-darkness and creates a serene environment for religious proceeding. This makes the church have an organized and de-cluttered space without non-essential decorations. The impact is creating a pure space for spiritual reflection. The use of minimalistic materials reinforces the integration of light and concrete structure removing the need for the traditional religious ornaments replacing them with aesthetic features. There is across from the east that is behind the alter of the church .this is created by allowing light to stream in through the space left on the concrete wall and diverging rays fall on the walls and floor of the church (Tadao 3). The rest of the church walls are made of concrete blocks. The light cross through space in the east facing the wall is the only notable religious symbol used in the church. Some conservative religious leaders have viewed this as an impediment to continuity of religious dogmas. However, despite the criticism, the structure shows the aesthetic nature of minimalism when applied in architecture. It illustrates architectural purity that is found in the details of minimum decoration and spatial organization. The walls are made of smooth concrete and the joints made precisely to create an impression of continuity. The floor and wall have a lustrous finish that create appeals for inner peace of the occupants the concrete is polished such that it gives a luminous quality reflection when exposed to natural light. The architect’s decision to place the cross on the east side allows light to flow into the church illuminating it (Tadao 3). Work Cited Tadao, Ando. Church of Light Architectural Inspection, edita Japan 18th Dec 2009, pg 1 Ika, Ruby. Minimal Architecture; Architecture in Focus. Prestel Publishing, 2011, pg 10 Perry, Gravin. Minimalism Today .South Florida Consortium. 2009, pg 25 http://pinterest.com/acsarchitect/light-shadow-in-architecture/ D R I Tozai. Architecture; Tondao Ando, pg127 Global Architechture. Global Architechture* 7 Tadao Ando Azuma House ADA. Edita Tokyo, 1997 Joshua F. Milldurn. Minimalism Kindle Edition, 2011 Jacek Krenz .Rain and Architecture http://webx.ubi.pt/~jkrenz/Rain.pdf Kenneth Frampton, ed. Tadao Ando: Buildings, Projects and Writings. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, 1984, pg 26-29 Rattenbury, Kester..Architects Today .Lawrence King Publishers, 2006, pg 20 Matthews, Kevin. The Great Buildings Collection on CD-ROM. Artifice, 2001, pg 15 Reena Tiwari . Modern Architecture and Culture; Minimalism (200?) 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