Minimum

by John Pawson

This extraordinary visual essay explores the notion of 'minimum', a concept that is rooted in the pursuit of simplicity, as applied to architecture, art and design; it is the quality that a building or object possesses when every component, every detail and every junction has been reduced or condensed to its essentials. Now itself condensed, Minimum is available for the first time as a pocket edition. This book, designed and compiled by the Minimalist architect John Pawson, captures the essential qualities of particular kinds of simplicity. This is illustrated by architecture ranging from prehistoric Mexico and Ancient Egypt to the high Modernism of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe; art from the Dutch School to Donald Judd; the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe and Bill Brandt; and furniture and pottery. With its broad spread across time and a wide geographical area, Minimum seeks to analyse the elements of simplicity and capture them in print.

Genres: Architecture, Art, Nonfiction, Design, Reference, Photography

328 pages, Hardcover

First published October 29, 1998

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photographic mini-book on Minimalism by architect Pawson who adds a few comments to each pic. Chapters focus on themes such as Light, Containment, Repetition, Volume, etc. Meditative and very nicely done.

[Corentin Xa]

An index of images of simplicity, purity, calm & power

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minimalist eye candy.