Have you ever heard the saying “Less is More”? Many architects adopt this aphorism, linked to the pioneering architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, regarded as one of the pioneers of modern architecture, as their motto. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a 20th-century architect, played a significant role in the creation of modernism, the architectural movement. Born in Aachen, Germany, he began his career at Peter Behrens’ office, where he collaborated with Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier. Mies’ famous maxim, “less is more,” emphasises the beauty and elegance of simplicity by eliminating unnecessary elements and focusing on essential features. This principle has been a significant influence on design for almost a century. Let’s delve into some principles of design to understand the evolution and characteristics of Less is More.

Misconception about Less is More

The “Less is More” philosophy in architecture is often associated with simplicity, but it requires careful consideration, thoughtful decision-making, and a deep understanding of the principles involved. It can lead to cold spaces, so it’s essential to balance simplicity and warmth. Overlooking functionality can result in aesthetically pleasing, but not practical, spaces. It’s not about limited design expressiveness; it’s about distilling a design to its essence without sacrificing creativity.

Applying “Less is More” universally may not be suitable for all projects, as different contexts, functions, and cultural considerations may require varying levels of complexity and ornamentation. The trend of misapplication can lead to superficial minimalism without a deep understanding of the underlying design philosophy. In conclusion, the “Less is More” philosophy is not about absolute minimalism but about achieving the right balance and purposeful simplicity.

About Mies Van Der Rohe

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a prominent architect in the 1920s, revolutionised the architectural style by blending industrial functionality with a minimalist aesthetic. He embraced the use of glass, blurring the lines between interior and exterior. His groundbreaking designs, such as the Friedrichstraße skyscraper and the Barcelona Pavilion, showcased his visionary approach. The latter, a testament to his open spaces, meticulous spatial planning, and expert glass use, has become a renowned and beloved work in modern architecture. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, director of the Bauhaus, led the institution until 1933, when it faced closure due to Nazi government pressure.

In 1932, the Museum of Modern Art featured Mies’s work in its exhibition, “The International Style,” solidifying Mies’s position in the modernist movement and introducing it to a broader international audience. This exhibition shaped the trajectory of modern architecture globally. “Less is More” is a design principle that promotes balance and harmony by removing unnecessary elements. It encourages thoughtful consideration of design elements, allowing simplicity to shine through, and creating functional and appealing spaces. This principle influences notions of architecture, design, art, and creativity. Architects can apply this principle in various ways in their designs.

Examples of this quote manifest in the architect’s projects, where a commitment to simplicity and elegance is evident through the intentional removal of extraneous elements, emphasising the essential aspects of each design.

Barcelona Pavilion

The Barcelona Pavilion is a significant modern architectural masterpiece. It was the German national pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. The design of the pavilion stands out with its characteristic open floor plan, minimalist materials, and a deliberate emphasis on the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. Mies treated the pavilion as a sculptural object, with each component serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Mies also designed other components of the building, including the iconic Barcelona Chair and the Barcelona Daybed. The pavilion’s water features, reflecting pools, and strategic placement of walls and columns further enhance the visual experience.

Farnsworth House

The Farnsworth House in Illinois is a prime example of modernist architecture. Completed in 1951, it is a testament to Mies’s commitment to simplicity, spatial purity, and the integration of nature into design. It is elevated above the ground on steel columns, preserving the natural flow of the landscape.

The open floor plan emphasises the openness of the interior, with minimal walls and chosen furnishings. The house’s glass walls dissolve the boundaries between inside and outside, creating a harmonious relationship with the landscape. The house features two parallel reflection pools, enhancing the visual connection to nature. The Farnsworth House’s design principles, including clean lines and essential forms, contribute to its timeless elegance. It stands as a landmark in architectural history, symbolising modernism and the integration of architecture with nature.

10 Ways to Incorporate “Less is More” in Your Design

1. Simplicity in Form:

Designing buildings with clean lines and simple geometric shapes can create a sense of clarity and order. Embracing simplicity in form does not necessarily mean lack of complexity or depth; rather, it involves distilling and presenting the core elements in a way that is easy to understand and appreciate. It’s about finding a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and clarity.

2. Minimalist Aesthetics:

Minimalist aesthetics, originating in the mid-20th century, is an art and design movement that emphasises simplicity, clean lines, and essential elements. Using a minimalist approach to decoration and ornamentation, focusing on a few key elements, can contribute to a sense of sophistication and timelessness.

3. Functionality:

Functionality in architecture is the practical aspects of a building’s design that enable it to fulfil its intended purpose effectively and efficiently. Key considerations include understanding the building’s purpose and programme, efficient spatial planning, efficiency in design, and prioritising user needs and functionality. It also ensures that every element serves a purpose, which can lead to practical and visually appealing spaces.

4. Material Selection:

Material selection in architecture is a critical process that influences the design of a structure, affecting its aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and overall performance. Choosing a limited palette of high-quality materials can enhance the overall aesthetic while reducing visual clutter. Local availability can reduce transportation costs and support the local economy.

5. Open Spaces:

Open spaces are unenclosed areas that lack physical barriers, promoting connectivity, visibility, and spatial continuity. They can be interior or exterior and serve multiple purposes, contributing to the overall design and functionality of a building. Open spaces facilitate connectivity, encourage social interaction, provide natural light and ventilation, add aesthetic value, offer flexibility, and support biophilic design principles. Embracing open floor plans and unobstructed spaces can create a sense of expansiveness and fluidity.

6. Natural Light:

Maximising the use of natural light can contribute to a sense of openness and reduce the need for excessive artificial lighting. It enhances the visual appeal of a space, supports the natural rhythms, and contributes to spatial perception. It also reduces the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, leading to energy savings. Natural light also creates a connection with nature, enhancing occupant comfort and satisfaction.

7. Spatial Planning:

Streamlining the layout of a building by eliminating unnecessary rooms or partitions can contribute to a more open and inviting environment. It involves allocating areas for specific activities, considering workflow, and accommodating user needs. Spatial planning also addresses flow and circulation, zoning, proximity and accessibility, hierarchy of spaces, flexibility, ergonomics, daylight and ventilation, aesthetics, adaptive reuse, and site integration.

8. Purposeful Details:

If a detail doesn’t enhance the design or serve a purpose, consider whether it’s necessary or not. They are not arbitrary but considered and integrated to contribute to the overall success of the architectural design. These details include functional enhancement, aesthetic considerations, cultural or conceptual expression, material selection, scale and proportion, contextual integration, craftsmanship, user experience, sustainability, adaptability and flexibility, and innovation.

9. Negative Space:

Negative space, also known as voids or empty spaces, is a crucial aspect of architecture, influencing the design, functionality, and experience of a building. It includes voids, gaps, courtyards, and open areas intentionally left unoccupied. Embrace negative space to allow the eye to rest and create a sense of balance. Avoid overcrowding your design with too many elements.

10. Minimalist Color Palette:

A minimalist colour palette embodies simplicity, timelessness, and a focus on essential design elements, contributing to visually appealing, functional, and enduring architectural designs. Restrict your colour palette to a few carefully chosen hues. This can create a cohesive and calming visual impact.

Quotted by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, “Less is More” emphasises simplicity and minimalism for aesthetic and functional impact. It remains relevant in contemporary design due to its timeless appeal, focus on functionality, sustainability, and visual impact. Minimalist designs often age well, while maximalism, characterized by bold colours and intricate patterns, is gaining popularity. Both approaches have their merits, and the choice depends on the project’s context, the designer’s vision, and the intended impact.

The future of design may involve a dynamic interplay between these contrasting approaches, allowing for a rich tapestry of creative expression. The relevance of “Less is more” depends on individual preferences, cultural shifts, and evolving design philosophies. The concept of “Less is More” underscores the appreciation for beauty and elegance through the deliberate removal of unnecessary elements, directing attention to the essential features of a design.

Content writing and research by Ar. Priyanshi Shah