MINIMALISM

THE MIES VAN DER ROHE WAY

Under the Guidance of: By Student:

Ar. Harshika Sahay Kemkar Akshata Baj
Sem-VII ; SOA-IPSA
INTRODUCTION
Aim
To study the concept of minimalism in architecture inside out so as to increase the non materialistic and
efficient connect between site, building and it’s occupants. Also to develop a better understanding of
minimalist architecture to adapt it as a signature style.

Objective
■ To understand the way a leading architect incorporates minimalism in architecture and to develop a
consolidated view of the theories of Ar. Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe on minimalist architecture.
■ To study different residences and derive inferences of self on minimalism in residential projects
■ To identify some characteristic features of minimalism in a design.
■ To find out certain elements that can help build a minimalistic approach towards design.

Scope
In this dissertation, I shall research in the field of only minimalism in architecture. This shall be done with
respect to the philosophies of one architect, i.e. , Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe , and by studying his
Residential projects.
Limitation
Minimalism has many faces and it is difficult to present them all, and so I shall not discuss all the aspects
of minimalism in this dissertation. Also many architecs have worked in the field of minimalist architecture,
out of which I shall only study and discuss briefly about one, i.e. , Ar. Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. Also I
shall not cover his commercial and public buildings in my study and stick to only the residential projects.
All the case studies will be done secondarily due to lack of resources to reach the places in person.

Methodology
■ The methodology for preparation of this dissertation shall be as follows:
■ Selection of topics
■ Understanding the basic concepts of minimalism.
■ Secondary data
■ Case study of 5 residential projects of Ar. Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe.
■ Analysis and inference
■ Conclusion
KROLLER – MULLER HOUSE
Location: Wassenaar, Netherlands
Construction Period: 1912–13
destroyed

UPPER FLOOR PLAN

SIDE ELEVATION

GROUND FLOOR PLAN FRONT ELEVATION

 Mies’s Proposal Berhen’s Proposal
■ Free flowing floor ■ Spaces are well
plans defined by fixed
permanent walls.
■ Lack of fix walls
■ Each space has been
■ The private spaces segregated based
can be used as public upon their specific
spaces and visa versa function rather than
by moving about the multipurpose
furniture if and when possibilities.
required.
■ Open spaces are
intended to bring
inside the built .

PETER BERHEN’S PROPOSAL

Wessinhofsiedlung Apartment Block
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Construction Period: 1926-1927

Fourth Floor plan

Second Floor plan

Routing Pattern Layout
Tugendhat house
Location: Brno, Czech Republic
Construction Period: 1928–30

ELEVATIONS

SECTIONS
ELEVATIONS
Farnsworth house
Location: Plano, Illinois, USA
Construction Period: 1945–51
880-860 lake shore drive
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Construction Period: 1948–51
inferences
The following inferences are drawn after completing the study the concepts of minimalism and critically
analysing the works of Mies van der rohe:
■ Minimal design can be achieved only when only those elements are included which are adequately
important in a building and omitting the needless elements.
■ Lighting and colors are the key to define a space designed with minimal approach. Lighting is used for
highlighting certain elements while colors are used in such a way that they bring out an expression out of
the space.
■ Materials are other most important aspect as they help in defining the space and deriving the purpose
and function of that space.
■ Mies used materials to define the space and not physical barriers, which in turn helped to create a free
flowing and large space.
■ The spaces in Mies's works were designed in such a way that they can be used for multiple purposes
rather than function only as one entity.
■ Minimum use of opaque materials like concrete and bricks to achieve a structure that responds to nature
and the inhabitant feels connected to the surroundings.
■ Since most of the Mies's work was in Chicago (a cold city), use of steel and glass in tall buildings helped
to achieve the degree of warmth in the interiors.
■ Extensive use of glass also caused Mies's a fair bit of problems regarding the privacy in privately owned
residences. Farnsworth House was a controversial project that Mies undertook. The owner wasn't happy
seeing the outcome of the weekend getaway home as it concerned her of her privacy.
■ The other thing that Mies focused on was creating the whole space showcasing different expression
rather than defining the space with a sole function and purpose.
conclusions
Charecteristics Of A Minimalist Design
 Omit needless things: don't include unnecessary elements in the design. Only include what is
necessary to the form and function of the design.
 Reductive approach: remove the elements in the design until it stops working the way it should. The
point right before that is when one would achieve the most minimalist design possible that cannot
be improved further. Never settle on your first draft; instead, cut elements one-by-one until your
design no longer meets its goal. Remember that minimalist designs uses the fewest elements
possible to achieve its goal.
 Essence: the elements which designer thinks would please and would leave an impression on the
visitors/inhabitants should be included. The essential part of the design would be that the designer
leaves in.
 Details: all the details that a designer includes should give that feeling (modern, clean, elegant,
sophisticated and so forth) to the visitor that you want to feel when you are in that space.
 Large spaces: the design principle follows an open-planning style of floor plans which makes out
more space throughout the building. The open planning helps to achieve a multi-functional space.
Spaces without partition walls create a barrier free environment.
 Surroundings: the surrounding environment also plays an important role in determining a minimal
design. The site environment should be integrated with the building so that there is a connection to
nature and so that people don't feel trapped in a box with a large space.
 White spaces: White space is key to a great minimalist design because the absence of clutter
helps viewers focus on the content.
 Purposeful design: Every graphic, image, and content element should have a clearly defined
purpose. It's important to understand the goal of your design before you create it, so you can
ensure that only those elements that serve your end-goal survive.
Elements Of A Minimalist Design

■ Shapes: basic geometrical shapes like square, rectangle, circle, etc. are the basis of the
planning of space. This ensures the most simple design and maximum surface area.
■ Colours: the appearance of a certain feature of the building depends the colour it is coated
with. The contrasting, harmonic or complimentary nature of the space with respect to the
element used depends totally upon the colour of that space. Moreover, certain artefacts are
selected on the basis of the interior colour. Accordingly, minimalist design incorporates
minimal use of color. Colors should be used to draw attention to specific words or design
elements, either to help convey a mood or motivate a response.
■ Lighting: it is one of the key aspects of highlighting certain features/elements of the interiors
and also of the exteriors. Use of lighting in landscape is a very common practice.
■ Materials: the materials can be used wisely so that they "divide" the space for different use of
a space as well as create an integrity among themselves so that it doesn't look like the spaces
are divided. Different designers use materials differently. Some prefer simple materials while
some prefer extravagant material to accentuate their simple space.
Elements Of A Minimalist Design
■ Furniture: furniture is a very important part of a minimal design, for obvious reasons. The type
of furniture used in the space gives the interior its own identity. The colour, shape size, scale
and proportion all matter when selecting the furniture. Furniture that is low to the ground
creates a modern look and also reflects the Japanese influences in the style. Use furnishings
that do not take up too much space and provide only what is necessary, such as a resting
area made up of simple chairs and large floor pillows or a bed that sits low to the ground with
a simple wooden surround.
■ Windows: Windows are a major design element in minimalist design. Large windows work
best because they allow the space to virtually become one with its natural surroundings.
Fussy blinds or curtains are usually not used. If you prefer to use blinds or curtains, choose
natural wood or bamboo shades and sheer curtains. Keep windows clean to prevent build-up
that may block an outdoor view.
■ Walls: Walls are usually white in minimalist interior design. The idea is to create a space that
looks clean, which is why white pairs so well with the style. Pale terra-cottas, neutrals or colors
reflecting the surrounding nature may also be used on the walls, as long as they are not
distracting or make the space feel enclosed. Storage may be hidden in the walls, such as a
large closet that is covered by reflective mirror doors made in a way to accent the design.
■ Accessories: Accessories should provide visual interest in the space. Bolder colors and
designs can be used in the accessories because they are small and not too distracting. Make
use of materials such as chrome and steel to create a look of cleanliness and wood or clay to
bring in a touch of nature. Only the minimal amount of accessories should be used to avoid
clutter.