In searching for the rots of minimalism in architecture: Formal silence of Adolf Loos

Abstract

Architectural examples of minimalism, combined with strict forms of modern movements, and the possibilities offered by new materials and technologies, contributing to the triumph of aesthetics that has become a symbol of our times. Minimalism in architecture, as the most original contribution to the idea of simplicity in architecture today has its roots in different areas as well as creation of prominent individuals - copyright strong individualities that do not tolerate any kind of categorization. One such author is certainly Adolf Loos. His theoretical ideas regarding decorations were sensational, because while the modernists had a dilemma about where and how to place ornaments, Los was adamant: his drastic solution predicted the complete elimination of ornament. In our time, minimalist architecture brings the ease of Adolf Loosa, whose design is rejected historicism and its parasites, decoration, to the pronounced rationalism. It is possible to follow the guiding principle of his 'formal silence' by Carl Andre to Herzog i de Meuron, as well as over the Mediterranean vernacular architecture to Alberto Campo Baeza and Alvaro Siza.

Keywords

• minimalism
• architecture
• Adolf Loos
• 'formal silence'
• rationalism