Minimalism Maximalism

The history of architecture, like that of all art forms, has fluctuated over time between two very marked tendencies: austerity and opulence of form and concept. Styles have alternated from simplicity to exuberance, reaching an eclectic period where rationalist works coexist with postmodern structures, minimalist interiors and crowded atmospheres. Minimalism / Maximalism portrays the coexistence of these dissimilar styles through a careful selection of some of the most prestigious architects. The aim of the book is to state that after a long period of austere works, architects are going for a new design: more complex, with an enriching mixture of materials, forms, and functions. The book will be divided into three major chapters that will contrast minimalism and maximalism projects. The first two pages of each project will be dedicated to this contrast and the following will show the maximalist project. Introduction: References to the evolution of architecture in the past and an overview of how Maximalism has taken over the disciplines such as painting, sculpture and fashion design. Architecture: Commercial Spaces: Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, Shops, Showrooms; Housing: Single family homes, Lofts, Apartments; Public Buildings: Schools, Museums, Offices, Shopping Malls; Each chapter will show international projects by architects such as Frank O. Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, Wilkinson Eyre, Shuhei Endo, Ettore Sottsass, Alsop & Stormer...up to 25 renowned designers. Furniture Design: Chairs, Sofas, Tables, Lamps A short chapter will show how all the theories that have been presented in the book have influenced other disciplines such as furniture design or graphic design.