What is the appeal of minimalism? For me, it seems to represent a state that is the opposite of CLUTTER, which is a form of ENTROPY. Nature naturally tends towards entropy so the minimal is in fact opposing nature, and actually represents a higher energy state. This can also be equated with a spiritual state. To live in a minimal way is in some ways an unattainable goal, which is precisely the appeal. Minimalism is equated with order itself.
What is the Western Tradition? It consists of a known body of work and thought, a.k.a. the “canon”, including:
(Image – Raphael School of Athens)
http://www.reversibledestiny.org/home.php
Another project by the artist arakawa. The idea is to make the design extremely challenging and uncomfortable, and that this stress will allow the occupant to “reverse destiny” and live forever. This is somewhat popular in Japan, where wealthy people have bought apartments designed under this conceptual framework. Some report that they feel younger. …….
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/12/architecture-generat.html
Interesting philosophical question here: if you design the process, not the object ( a current trend called ‘generative design’ ) are you still doing a composition, is the product still architecture?
Don’t try this at home , kids.
http://www.salon.com/env/atoms_eden/2009/03/25/alva_noe/
In his new book, “Out of Our Heads: Why You Are Not Your Brain, and Other Lessons From the Biology of Consciousness,” Noë attacks the brave new world of neuroscience and its claims that brain mechanics can explain consciousness. Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Francis Crick wrote, “You, your joys and your sorrows, your memories and your ambitions, your sense of personal identity and free will, are in fact no more than the behavior of a vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated molecules.” While Noë credits Crick for drawing popular and scientific attention to the question of consciousness, he thinks Crick’s conclusions are dead wrong and dangerous.
The current example of how THE TWO CULTURES are in disagreement. (Science vs. Humanities).
