Minimum - Hardcover

Pawson, John

4.17

53 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0714832626 ISBN 13: 9780714832623

Publisher: Phaidon Press Ltd, 1996

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This work is an essay by the architect John Pawson, both expressing and embodying the ideas of reduction, of simplicity, of austerity, of repetition. The pages reveal stark but beautiful images of architecture and engineering, of ceramics and furniture, of photography and works of art, from many periods and cultures, that all combine to express the idea of simplicity. As the author explains in a brief introduction, these ideas find their expression in art and design, and have their beginnings in the realms of religious and philosophical convictions. The austerity of a Cistercian monastery or the simplicity of a Zen garden are both emanations of the same urge to reduce, to make clear, to unburden. Through a sequence of carefully orchestrated pictures, this book clarifies the way in which this mode of thinking has inspired the work of artists and architects from Ancient Egypt to contemporary Mexico or Japan. Possibly most of all, this text is a work of art in its own right as its design and production values reinforce the ideas of the author.

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Review:

'Thought-provoking book on minimalism.' (The World of Interiors)

'His critically acclaimed Minimum book, had been redesigned as a portable edition. With its stark, graceful images of architecture, engineering, ceramics and furniture, it endorses the principles of his work as an architect and designer.' (The Times)

'John Pawson’s gorgeous and starkly stylish new book...Sleek and square...a must for all small-is –beautiful coffee tables.' (Evening Standard)

'Another handy source of design inspiration. This appropriately pared down version of John Pawson’s acclaimed 1996 study of minimalism takes readers on a beautifully presented journey round the notion of simplicity – in architecture, art and design.' (Exposure)

'If you can’t get to Hong Kong, but want an insight into the rich variety of sources that have influenced Pawson’s architecture, try his book Minimum, newly re-issued in a miniature hardback version.' (Conde Nast Traveller)

'Immaculately produced by Phaidon, [Minimum] is a small slab of a book (140mm x 160mm square) and a tactile delight on every level. Exactly the sort of style icon that will sit demurely on a coffee table or with ostentatious cool in the chaos of a briefcase.' (The Right Angle)

'There is something very covetable about this new, compact, chunky version of the 1996 bestseller. Truly pared down – its price has shrunk too ( the original cost �60) – Pawson’s ‘visual essay’ is a selection of images that are sometimes beautifully simple, but also pretentious.' (British Journal of Photography)

'John Pawson’s seminal book Minimum achieved world-wide recognition for provoking interest and exploration into the notion of minimalism. Two years since its original publication this unique guide to simplicity is reprinted in a desirable mini format. This neat, portable book is a visual essay expressing and embodying the ideas of austerity, reduction, and simplicity ... The original edition received unprecedented attention and soon sold out. To reprint the book in the usual paperback format did not seem justifiable and with a constant dedication to design, Phaidon decided that the beauty and and quality of the original edition could only be retained in a stylish miniature format ... The end result is this small object of desire and simplicity.' (Perspective)

'An elegant and restrained reference work.' (Frame)

'In itself a wonderful object, Minimum is already a collector's item.' (Observer)

'A searching discourse on the appeal of minimalism, an exploration of the author's thoughts on architecture, art and life, accompanied by extraordinary photographs to show the power of minimalism. It is well worth reading.' (Financial Times)

About the Author:

John Pawson is a renowned architect and designer specializing in the Minimalist aesthetic. He has designed interiors for Calvin Klein, B&B Italia and the Cathay Pacific Lounge at the Hong Kong International Airport. His own work is the subject of two books John Pawson Works and John Pawson Themes and Projects, both published by Phaidon.

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