Minimalism

Being someone who has always been interested in design, walking around New York City is the gift that keeps on giving. Seeing all the different architectural styles the city has to offer is something to marvel. It amazes me that on one block, you see a very ornate, intricate, heavily decorated building like the St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the next could be a more modern structure like the Seagram building. After comparing all of the different designs, you naturally start to form your own opinion about what is your favorite style and discover which type “speaks to you most.” For me, it is the minimalist styled homes that always catch my eye and gets my greatest sense of appreciation.

Seagram Building, Mies van de Rohe St. Patrick's Cathedral, James Renwick Jr.

Architecture is about function, form, and beauty. The beauty of minimalism, I believe, lies in how the structure represents a sense of order and purity. Minimalism is a design philosophy that embraces the “less is more” mentality (as German architect Mies van de Rohe would say.) Mies van de Rohe created works often referred to as “skin-and bones architecture,” designs that are reduced or stripped down to the bare minimum of elements. When architects create buildings like this, every element they include has a purpose.  A few characteristics classified as minimalist are:

1. Simple, clean, open spatial arrangements
2. Pure proportions, basic geometric forms absent from ornamentation or decoration
3. Clever uses of textures and harmonious colors
4. Natural lighting, large windows, flat roofs

I believe that simplicity is elegant and something that goes hand in hand with minimalism. This idea of simplicity stems from the Japanese culture and Zen Philosophy. It is important that when designing, architects should implement materials in meaningful and logical ways.  Japanese architect Tadao Ando for instance is famous for his complex structures despite their simple appearance.

Ando’s Casa Monterrey in Mexico is a great example of design materials precisely placed to highlight where the eye concentrates. For Casa Monterrey Ando used various horizontal and vertical plains emerging from the landscape to highlight the Sierra Las Mitras Mountains. The inside of the home includes a large, open living space, ample natural lighting, and clean finishes.

Casa Monterrey, Tadao Ando

I love minimalism because it is like an attitude towards life. Why add on elements you don’t need? When I look at a building that evokes minimalism, I applaud the architect for being brave enough to show restraint and to allow the building to stand on its own beauty.

Citations

• "5 Characteristics of Modern Minimalist House Designs." YR Architecture + Design. N.p., 28 Feb. 2017. Web. 29 Apr. 2017.
• Evan Rawn. "Material Masters: Glass is More with Mies van der Rohe" 03 Dec 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed 29 Apr 2017. <http://www.archdaily.com/574575/material-masters-glass-is-more-with-mies-van-der-rohe/>
• Source: Boundless. "Minimalism." Boundless Art History Boundless, Retrieved 29 Apr. 2017 from https://www.boundless.com/art-history/textbooks/boundless-art-history-textbook/global-art-since-1950-ce-37/dematerialization-235/minimalism-834-10851/
• Frearson, Amy. "Tadao Ando's Casa Monterrey Nestles against a Hillside in Monterrey." Dezeen. N.p., 19 May 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2017. Photography by Edmund Sumner
• Ivanoff, Ada. "Design Minimalism: What, Why & How. — SitePoint." SitePoint. SitePoint, 12 June 2014. Web. 29 Apr. 2017.
• Widewalls. "The Inspiring Simplicity of Minimalism in Art, Architecture and Design." WideWalls. Urban and Contemporary Art Resource, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2017.

The latest JMA media!

A recent feature piece in Multifamily Executive outlines the non-traditional side of JMA, architectural development.  JMA has branched out from the typical Design-Bid-Build model of practice and added development to its resumé.  This puts the project into the hands of one entity from start to finish and allows JMA to create its own work and to be a first-mover in up-and-coming neighborhoods.  Read more about this side of JMA here.

As many of our projects are located in long-established urban contexts, we've developed a dedication to designing contemporary buildings that aesthetically complement their existing neighbors. The following publications reference some of what goes into designing in this fashion.

Real Estate Weekly
New York Yimby

And be sure to check out more of our recent press on JMAPC.COM!

Remodeling Magazine Feature

JMA's renovation of a Gramercy Park apartment featured in Remodeling Magazine addresses the sometimes unexpected challenges faced by architects. The scheduling circumstances were challenging, but satisfying with a little hard work and passion.  

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/business/design/gramercy-park-kitchen-and-bath-remodel-puts-architect-to-the-test_o

24 years of being an architect!

24 years ago on this day, I received my degree as an architect. It has been a long and challenging, yet fulfilling road to today. If I were to have to go back and choose my career path again, I wouldn't change a thing. As proud as I am of my architectural achievements, my accomplishments as a father are equally, if not more gratifying.

24 años atrás, me recibía de arquitecto. Fue un camino largo, por momentos complicado, pero siempre satisfactorio. Si volviera el tiempo atrás y tuviera a elegir volver a elegir, volvería a elegir el mismo camino. 
Estoy muy orgulloso de mis logros, y también de mi mayor logro, el de ser padre de 2 hermosos hij

os.

4th St Construction Progress

A recent progress photo of a project on Jersey City's 4th St coming to life.  The architectural intent was to create a unique building that is representative of 2015, yet relate to its existing urban context in proportion and scale.  Once completed, it will provide Jersey City with 3 high-end residential units and green spaces for its residents in the backyard and on the roof.

Structural Expression in Architecture

A notable architectural movement that took hold in the 1970's is the use of structural expression.  As use of steel and concrete became more prevalent and practical, architects began using the structural components as a notable visual element in the design.  These buildings began to take on a machine-like aesthetic with their technical components and sometimes inner workings, revealed and accentuated in the design.

Norman Foster has been a recurring name with this architectural style.  From the HSBC Building in Hong Kong (1986) to his designs today for buildings like the Hearst Tower and the Leadenhall Building, he still often uses this approach today.

HSBC Building, Norman Foster

















Hearst Tower, Norman Foster













Here are some other examples:

Centre Pompidou, Richard Rogers

Hancock Center, SOM










In contrast:

One of the most exciting aspects of emerging technologies is the effect on what is possible for an architect.  Architects today have so many options at their disposal with rapid advancements in structural and building system technologies.  This allows for an antithesis to structural expression.

"The best engineer a few decades ago was someone who could create the most beautiful beam of structure; today it's to do a structure you cannot see or understand how it's done.  It disappears and you can talk only about color, symbols, and light.  It's an aesthetic of miracle."
-Jean Nouvel

This approach to architecture invigorates people's imagination and makes them wonder "what makes that stand up?"  This is in dramatic contrast to structural expression which reveals how it works to anyone who can see it and tells its own story with structure.  This approach nearly hides it and makes it a mystery.

Here are some notable examples:

Marina Bay Sands, Moshe Safdie

Barclays Center, SHoP Architects

Villa Kogelhof, Paul de Ruiter








As an architect, I find it interesting to see how structure can be such an integral part of the aesthetic in buildings or completely hidden in the design.  

Holidays in the country with my family.

I was on vacation with my family for the holidays. It was nice to have some time off and enjoy family and friends. It was good that my phone didn't work and I didn't have access to my emails.
Well, now I have more than 500 emails to read...
In these pictures, with my 2 sons, Kael, who is 5 years  old and Kiano who is only 4 months old.