Essay

There is something to be said about a design when it simply presents the user with only what is needed, when it is needed. Simple design does not mean that it is simplistic, but rather that it has stripped away the extraneous and unnecessary that would only confuse or belittle the power of the true underlying design core. This is often a strength of minimal architecture.

In fact, the image to the right depicts how a simple line can be manipulated to express such vast space and dimension — all by expressing form, color and a simple vision that brings the viewer in. Some may say that the success of the iPhone is built upon a similar type of minimalism that makes the user experience an intuitive and joyful one. And much like the line image above, just because it is based on the power of the simple, does not mean that it does not have an inherent complexity.

In applying what a simpler design can do within architecture, I invite you to take a look at the following Electrolux Design Concept, entitled Heart of the Home. As you watch the animation, notice how a simple surface can morph into exactly what a user needs, at precisely the time they need it. Additionally, what is presented in simple form, is made to adjust according to user controls to help a person reach their goal — in this case to prepare a great meal with ease.

On this MLL Design Lab site, I often talk about various emerging technologies that are interactive, adaptive or even augmented. But what I would like you to understand is that such technologies can be used within an architectural design to make what is seemingly simple within a building (like a surface) have inherent complexity that can serve occupants in innovative and multifaceted ways.

Image Credit: © telmo32 | Flickr