Lecture

Simplicity in Architecture

Graph Chat

Chat with Graph Search

Ask any question about EPFL courses, lectures, exercises, research, news, etc. or try the example questions below.

DISCLAIMER: The Graph Chatbot is not programmed to provide explicit or categorical answers to your questions. Rather, it transforms your questions into API requests that are distributed across the various IT services officially administered by EPFL. Its purpose is solely to collect and recommend relevant references to content that you can explore to help you answer your questions.

Description

This lecture explores the shift in architectural trends from extravagant iconic designs to a more austere approach, emphasizing the value of simplicity and frugality in architectural production. Concepts such as asceticism, essentialism, and neutrality are discussed, along with examples of minimalist architectural projects and the importance of creating meaningful and sustainable spaces.

This video is available exclusively on Mediaspace for a restricted audience. Please log in to MediaSpace to access it if you have the necessary permissions.

Watch on Mediaspace

Official source

Related concepts (9)

Simplicity

Simplicity is the state or quality of being simple. Something easy to understand or explain seems simple, in contrast to something complicated. Alternatively, as Herbert A. Simon suggests, something is simple or complex depending on the way we choose to describe it. In some uses, the label "simplicity" can imply beauty, purity, or clarity. In other cases, the term may suggest a lack of nuance or complexity relative to what is required. The concept of simplicity is related to the field of epistemology and philosophy of science (e.

Asceticism

Asceticism (əˈsɛtɪsɪzəm; from the áskesis) is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals. Ascetics may withdraw from the world for their practices or continue to be part of their society, but typically adopt a frugal lifestyle, characterised by the renunciation of material possessions and physical pleasures, and also spend time fasting while concentrating on the practice of religion or reflection upon spiritual matters.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a social goal for people to co-exist on Earth over a long time. Specific definitions of this term are disputed and have varied with literature, context, and time. Experts often describe sustainability as having three dimensions (or pillars): environmental, economic, and social, and many publications emphasize the environmental dimension. In everyday use, sustainability often focuses on countering major environmental problems, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, loss of ecosystem services, land degradation, and air and water pollution.

Simple living

Simple living refers to practices that promote simplicity in one's lifestyle. Common practices of simple living include reducing the number of possessions one owns, depending less on technology and services, and spending less money. Not only is simple living focused on external changes such as minimalism through fewer commitments or possessions but it also connects to the human's mindset and set of beliefs. These practices can be seen throughout history, religion, art, and economics.

Sustainability measurement

Sustainability measurement is a set of frameworks or indicators to measure how sustainable something is. This includes processes, products, services and businesses. Sustainability is difficult to quantify. It may even be impossible to measure. To measure sustainability, the indicators consider environmental, social and economic domains. The metrics are still evolving. They include indicators, benchmarks and audits. They include sustainability standards and certification systems like Fairtrade and Organic.

Related lectures (64)

Global Challenges: Understanding Sustainability and Human Impact

Covers global sustainability challenges, focusing on planetary boundaries and the impact of human activities on the environment.

Global Challenges: Sustainability and Future Narratives

Discusses sustainability through the Three Horizons framework, emphasizing the need for community-level actions and a new societal narrative for ecological transformation.

Wellbeing and Human Needs: Exploring Sustainable Satisfaction

Examines the relationship between wellbeing, human needs, and sustainable satisfaction through the lens of sufficiency.

Sustainability of Development Projects

Explores the sustainability of development projects, emphasizing social, economic, environmental, and technical dimensions, stakeholder engagement, and challenges in ensuring long-term sustainability.

Sustainable Strategies: Schwarz Group