Minimalist design has always been revered for its simplicity, its clean lines and its decluttered nature. Although it may feel like a very contemporary trend, the roots of minimalist design can be traced back to ancient cultures which also valued function over form.
Two ancient cultures which embodied this aesthetic are ancient Greece and Japan. Their innovative approaches to design, though geographically and culturally distinct, share core principles that continue to influence 21st-century architecture, art, and interior design.
The Birthplace of Minimalist Design
Ancient Greece, better known for its contributions to philosophy, politics, and the arts, also laid the foundations for minimalist design principles. In fact, the embodiment of ancient Greek art and architecture revolves around proportion, balance, and all-round harmony – three key facets of minimalist design today.
Speaking of simple designs in magnificent proportion, you only have to consider ancient Greek temples to understand this culture’s thirst for geometric clarity. Iconic structures like the Parthenon are the perfect example of the refined elegance of the ancient Greeks, preferring clean lines and precise mathematical ratios to spectacular effect.
Don’t forget, the ancient Greeks also utilized natural materials like limestone and marble, becoming a feature in ancient Greek architecture. The purity of such materials helped to contribute to an aesthetic that oozes simplicity and understated elegance. In short, the ancient Greeks were masters of fusing architectural beauty with function. The columns of Greek temples not only offered structural support but delivered a powerful presence to the buildings.
Ancient Greek minimalist design has had a lasting impact on today’s architecture and design. Echoes of Greek minimalism can be found everywhere. Government buildings and museums typically incorporate elements like the Greek columns and porticos. The U.S. Supreme Court building is one such example that reflects these design principles.
Contemporary minimalist interior designs still draw inspiration from ancient Greek aesthetics. There’s a distinct emphasis on open spaces, clean lines, and a heavily restrained color palette, dominated by natural tones and whites. Even innovative video game designers can replicate the striking architectural simplicity and splendor of ancient Greek temples. In the iGaming scene, slot games inspired by ancient mythology are numerous. One example is the Gates of Olympus Greek-themed slot, which literally showcases the pillars and gates of Olympus in the background of the reel grid.
Japan: The Zen of Minimalism
In parallel to ancient Greece, Japan also developed a unique approach to minimalist design hundreds of years ago. Japanese minimalism is deeply entrenched in the country’s cultural and philosophical traditions, especially Zen Buddhism. All of which helped to foster a thirst for simplicity, tranquillity, and harmony with nature.
Japanese design has long been heralded for its uncluttered, straightforward spaces, as well as its clean and crisp lines. This aesthetic is typically embraced within traditional Japanese households, which usually boast tatami mats, sliding doors, and sparse furnishings.
The Japanese embraced raw materials in the same way as the ancient Greeks. Materials like stone, paper, and wood were all utilized to their full potential. The color palette remained typically neutral, helping to emphasize harmony with its natural surroundings.
Japanese architecture and design are also famed for their ability to blur the lines between interior and exterior space. The meticulous design of gardens is such that they can function as a genuine extension of a living space, thereby promoting a sense of peace and connectivity to nature.
Japanese minimalism continues to play a key role in global design trends today. Modern-day architects like Tadao Ando have helped to portray these trends on the global stage. Ando was heavily involved in the Church of the Light, which unsurprisingly boasts clean lines, clean, concrete structures, and integration with natural daylight.
Interior designs are also increasingly inspired by the serenity of Japanese minimalism. The optimal use of furnishings, natural materials, and a clutter-free living environment creates that sense of freedom.
Though each of these ancient cultures is distinct in its approaches, both have a commitment to simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty that cannot be overstated.