Simplicity vs. Simpleness in Architecture — and Why You Should Care
Don't confuse these two concepts; your home's beauty and ability to inspire are at stake
Eric Spry
April 8, 2013
Leonardo da Vinci once said that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Simplicity in design calms us and somehow inspires us, not only in architecture but also in other forms of design. Apple, for example, has refined its products over the years to such a beautiful simplicity that the products have become collectibles based on their design alone.
But what does simplicity mean? Or better yet, what does simplicity not mean? Simplicity is not to be confused with simpleness. I'm not advocating for nursery rhymes over symphonies, "Sing a Song of Sixpence" over Beethoven's Ninth. No, simplicity is quite different from simpleness.
Simplicity is effortless composition, an orderliness with lyrical qualities — like in a great painting that has only enough brushstrokes to convey the idea, in which the painter uses just the right amount of color, making it impossible to imagine another stroke or another color without its ruining the composition. Great design, whether in paintings or architecture, shares this quality.
Let's explore the characteristics of beautiful architecture with simplicity, an essential ingredient to beautiful design.
But what does simplicity mean? Or better yet, what does simplicity not mean? Simplicity is not to be confused with simpleness. I'm not advocating for nursery rhymes over symphonies, "Sing a Song of Sixpence" over Beethoven's Ninth. No, simplicity is quite different from simpleness.
Simplicity is effortless composition, an orderliness with lyrical qualities — like in a great painting that has only enough brushstrokes to convey the idea, in which the painter uses just the right amount of color, making it impossible to imagine another stroke or another color without its ruining the composition. Great design, whether in paintings or architecture, shares this quality.
Let's explore the characteristics of beautiful architecture with simplicity, an essential ingredient to beautiful design.
Georgia O'Keefe once said in regard to painting, "Fill a space in a beautiful way." Continuing that thinking, architecture should enclose a space in a beautiful way.
Often architecture is formed by intersecting geometries, but seldom are the geometries orchestrated in such a lyrical way as the two gently sloping roofs of this home.
Often architecture is formed by intersecting geometries, but seldom are the geometries orchestrated in such a lyrical way as the two gently sloping roofs of this home.
Many times simplicity begins with a singular geometry, one form enclosing space in a beautiful way. This cabin not only makes use of a simple geometry, but also avoids the mistake of using far too many materials that much of modern architecture makes. The architect maintained simplicity by using only the materials necessary, allowing the geometry to speak for the architecture.
An iconic image, this is the Sheats-Goldstein home by John Lautner.
The very definition of simplicity lies in this space. It's merely a floor, a roof and glass — nothing extraneous, no add-ons, no decorations. Here view and architecture marry and live happily ever after.
The very definition of simplicity lies in this space. It's merely a floor, a roof and glass — nothing extraneous, no add-ons, no decorations. Here view and architecture marry and live happily ever after.
Jonathan Ive, brilliant designer of the Apple iPhone, among other products, once said, "Get rid of anything that isn't absolutely essential."
Phillip Johnson's Glass House certainly does just that. This iconic home has largely been photographed from the outside, which I think is missing the point.
Phillip Johnson's Glass House certainly does just that. This iconic home has largely been photographed from the outside, which I think is missing the point.
The beauty of this home is the simple unobstructed connection to the surrounding environment and the continual awareness of nature's many moods, which can be experienced from the interior.
Simplicity is not only orchestrated through simple geometry as illustrated in the previous images. The architect of this home chose to express the structural elements rather than hide them within the walls and ceilings. The result is a beautiful rhythmic quality. Repetition with a simple expression of materials creates the architecture's simplicity.
A well-tempered, uncluttered interior space creates a stage for thought and imagination. Here books are the wall art, as is the large window overlooking a wonderful old tree. A minimalist fireplace relaxes the space. One could almost overlook the beautiful wood floor.
All of these separate elements are woven into a successful and simple composition made for contemplation.
All of these separate elements are woven into a successful and simple composition made for contemplation.
The previous space was designed for contemplation, but this small nook was made for soaking. Clean, simple, nothing required to enhance the space. Simply a tub with a view and an architect wise enough to maximize the experience of both.
Beautiful architecture is not confined to the indoors, but should extend to outdoor living spaces, too, completing the idea and creating a holistic design.
The beauty of this outdoor space lies in its simplicity: a simple, clean edge and geometry along with a rhythm of concrete bowls and bold-color furniture.
The beauty of this outdoor space lies in its simplicity: a simple, clean edge and geometry along with a rhythm of concrete bowls and bold-color furniture.
This water feature is a study in minimalism — only the brushstrokes required, nothing more. A rusty metal edge, simple geometry and landscape stones compose this lyrical complement to the pool in the previous image.
Simplicity should never be confused with simpleness. Simplicity requires considerable thought and effort. It is not easy to make something look effortless, orderly and lyrical. The composition must be just right: just the right amount of color, just the right amount of material and just enough of the elements to enclose the space in a beautiful way.
What are some of your favorite projects that share this quality? Share your thoughts below.
More: Have It Your Way: What Makes Architecture Successful
Simplicity should never be confused with simpleness. Simplicity requires considerable thought and effort. It is not easy to make something look effortless, orderly and lyrical. The composition must be just right: just the right amount of color, just the right amount of material and just enough of the elements to enclose the space in a beautiful way.
What are some of your favorite projects that share this quality? Share your thoughts below.
More: Have It Your Way: What Makes Architecture Successful
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@Spry Architecture. Sorry to hear of your loss. However, what a wonderful experience it must of been for you in association with such a renowned artist.
In following I would imagine you would be attuned to design Pacific Mexican beach homes?
@kwoollcott. Thank you. Yes, a Pacific Mexican Beach home would be a fun project!
@Spry Will put down in my Mexico build book. Thanks