Minimalist architecture: Why it’s here to stay
HAVE you ever walked into a space where every corner exudes calmness and serenity? Chances are, you entered a minimalist space. But beyond their sleek aesthetic, what does science actually say about minimalist spaces?
Minimalism is a philosophy that revolves around the idea of FINDING BEAUTY IN THE ESSENCE OF things, rather than in their ornamentation or excess. In design, minimalism is about distilling design to its core elements, stripping away anything unnecessary.
A study conducted by the University of California said clutter in the home could directly impact our levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Study participants who described their homes as cluttered had higher levels of cortisol than those who described their homes as minimalistic. This is because cluttered spaces can overwhelm the senses, leading to feelings of anxiety. On the other hand, minimalist spaces can help promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Such spaces can also improve people’s focus and productivity. A study conducted by psychological scientist Kathleen Vohs and her fellow researchers at the University of Minnesota found that people who work in clean environments have an easier time concentrating. Cluttered workspaces, on the other hand, can make it difficult for people to process information and stay focused. By creating minimalist workspaces, we can boost our productivity.
While it can promote calmness and focus, it can also leave people feeling uncomfortable and uninspired. A 2022 study found that white-painted classrooms, commonly used in minimalist design, had the lowest subjective evaluation and worst learning performance. This highlights how the plain, unstimulating nature of minimalist spaces can drain the life out of a room, making it dull and boring.
Additionally, minimalist spaces can feel too generic and bland, lacking personalization and character. This can lead to feelings of disconnection and alienation. The “IKEA effect” — a psychological phenomenon where people place higher value on products they have contributed to — can help explain why plain, minimalist spaces can feel uninviting. Without opportunities for personalization and creativity, spaces can feel unoriginal and uninspired.
To sum it up, minimalism is more than just an aesthetic choice; it has both its merits and drawbacks, as science has shown. When it comes to designing our spaces, IT’S CRUCIAL TO fiND THE BALANCE THAT suits our individual needs and preferences. Remember that our surroundings have a direct impact on our well-being, both psychologically and physiologically. So, as you make choices about your living environment, let it be a mindful, intentional process rather than merely chasing Instagram design trends. After all, our spaces DON’T JUST REflECT WHO WE ARE. THEY also shape us.
Cayner Curitana is a young architect and data analyst enthusiast with a passion for exploring the intersections of big data and design. He approaches each project with a holistic perspective and leverages data-driven insights to create functional and aesthetically compelling spaces. He was recognized by the Draft Portfolio Review by TMCX and One Zero Design Co. with the Emerging Designer Award in 2019. Curitana earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, where he is a part-time faculty member.