Minimalism in architecture: Materials as an instrument of perception

• Main Author: Vasilski Dragana
• Format: Article
• Language: srp
• Published: Institute of Architecture and Urban and Spatial Planning of Serbia 2013-01-01
• Series: Arhitektura i Urbanizam
• Subjects: minimalism; architecture; materials; perception; gestalt psychology; texture; truthfulness (natural materials); the 'movement' of the material
• Online Access: http://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0354-6055/2013/0354-60551337003V.pdf
• ISSN: 0354-6055; 2217-8074

Materials, as an instrument for author's report of his ideas and puts them into the space and time, is a recurring theme of architecture, from the time of Vitruvius triad (firmitas). In minimalism, materials shape space and express its essence, which is the irreducible minimum. The approach in this paper is methodologically defined by architecture domain that is art within it, therefore what the visual means are materials, with the aspiration to discover meaning in what we see. The principles of visual perception are primarily active in the field of law perceptions reached by the psychology of perception, specifically the theory called Gestalt. As the material contained in the tangible components, and sentient, such a relationship is required for duality of materialization, which is achieved by the use of their material expression of immateriality. This expression gives the truth of immateriality (natural materials), tactile value (structure and texture) and the 'movement' of the material (the ability to transform). Author's access to the material as an instrument of expression immaterial, provided the concept of minimalist architecture at a higher artistic level (Peter Cumtor) and causing severe emotional reaction when meeting also created architectural works (Tadao Ando). Transformations of materials are achieved through the exploration of new treatments and techniques (Kengo Kuma), and the development of technology to unimaginable limits changes the way of understanding reality (Herzog & de Meron). Researching of materials, in the way of its application, can be achieved understanding of minimalism in the architecture as an idea.