The goals of this presentation
This paper will throw light on the peculiarities of the minimalist approach to architecture.
Furthermore, it is necessary to discuss the influence of this style on the architecture of the United States;
Additionally, one should show how the principles of minimalism are reflected in the design of hotels.
On the whole, it is possible to say that minimalism design has been willingly embraced by American architects and designers who placed much emphasis on efficiency, functionality, and the needs of people who will use a particular building. These are the main details that can be examined in greater detail.
The main features of the minimalism style
A minimalist approach to design implies that one should eliminate superfluous decorative elements that do not serve any practical purposes (Taylor, 1992, p. 139).
Furthermore, this style is based on the use of rectangular forms since this technique often enables the designer to minimise the use of materials and reduce the amount of time which is needed for construction (Torgerson, 2007, p. 57).
Additionally, the minimalist approach incorporates such elements as straight lines, flat roofs, open floor plans, as well as exposed textures like brick, metal, or wood (Boyer, 2013, p. 728). These are some of the visual characteristics that should be taken into account.
According to the principles of minimalism, an architect should clearly identify the role that each element of the design will play in the construction (Odendorf, 2009, 54). Provided that one cannot answer this question properly, his/her design may not comply with the principles of minimalism.
It is also important to speak about the use of modern materials that facilitate the process of construction.
To a great extent, the minimalist approach is aimed at conveying the message of simplicity and even austerity (Ambrose, 2008, p. 170).
Overall, minimalism is aimed at reconciling utility and aestheticism, and in many cases, this style has been effective.
The influence of minimalism on the architecture of the United States
On the whole, it is possible to argue that minimalism has significantly influenced the urban architecture of America.
This approach has been critical for optimizing the use of space in many American cities such as New York, Chicago, or Detroit.
The adoption of the minimalist approach has been closely linked with the growth of American businesses, especially large corporations and governmental agencies. These organizations adopted the principles of minimalism because they attached much importance to cost-efficiency (Best, 2005, p. 154). This is one of the points that can be made.
Much attention should be paid to the growing number of skyscrapers, many of which comply with the principle of the United States. For example, one can mention such buildings as the John Hancock Tower or IBM Plaza since they exemplify the principles of minimalism. The design of these constructions is driven by the needs of the organizations that will eventually use them.
Nevertheless, minimalist design has also been critical for the development of the rural landscape of America. This argument is particularly relevant if one speaks about hotels, restaurants, and houses, which also reflect the principles of minimalism.
The influence of minimalism on the design of hotels
On the whole, the use of minimalism has been of great use to the owners of hotels throughout the United States since these people wanted to reduce their running costs (Macarthur, 2013, p. 174). This is one of the reasons why this style has become very influential.
It should be noted that the minimalist approach has been architects who used luxury hotels. For example, one can mention the Gramercy Park Hotel located in New York. The design of this building is dominated by rectangular forms, and it produces the impression of austerity (Fisher, 2011, p. 224). Nevertheless, the interior design of this hotel is quite different from outward appearance.
In turn, the minimalist approach has been applied to thousands of roadside motels located in different parts of the United States (Franci, 2005, p. 38). In many cases, these hotels serve the needs of people who are very price-sensitive.
These buildings have distinctive visual characteristics of the United States; in particular, one can speak about rectangular forms, flat roofs, and absence of decorative elements (Zukin, 1991, p. 223). In many cases, these buildings resemble one another in terms of exterior and interior design.
To a great extent, the use of minimalist style remains popular nowadays; it enables architects to design efficient buildings.
Conclusion
Overall, this discussion indicates that minimalism has shaped the development of U.S. architecture.
To a great extent, this style has influenced many urban areas because this approach has been helpful for optimizing the use of space and reducing costs.
More importantly, this approach has influenced the construction of many hotels that can be oriented towards people with different income levels.
Although this approach to architecture will remain rather popular because this style helps people increase the efficiency of buildings.
Reference List
Ambrose, G. (2008). The Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York, NY: AVA Publishing.
Best, J. (2005). The Limits of Transparency: Ambiguity and the History of International Finance. Ithaco, NY: Cornell University Press.
Boyer, P. (2013). The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Cultural and Intellectual History. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Fisher, F. (2011). Performance, Fashion and the Modern Interior: From the Victorians to Today. New York, NY: Berg.
Franci, G. (2005). Dreaming of Italy: Las Vegas and the Virtual Grand Tour. Reno, NV: University of Nevada Press.
Macarthur, J. (2013). The Picturesque: Architecture, Disgust and Other Irregularities. New York, NY: Routledge.
Odendorf, H. (2009). Minimalism: Designing Simplicity. New York, NY: Springer.
Taylor, M. (1992). Disfiguring: Art, Architecture, Religion. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Torgerson, M. (2007). An Architecture of Immanence: Architecture for Worship and Ministry Today. New York, NY: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Zukin, S. (1991). Landscapes of Power: From Detroit to Disney World. Berkeley, Cal. University of California Press.