What does ‘simple’ really mean?
Design briefs often include the word: “simple.” But what does simple really mean?
Simple aesthetics often translate to complex structures
Simple structures often translate to complex aesthetics
Take the two examples of D House | KIENTRUC O and House in the Hills | Sean Godsell Architects. D House is simple aesthetics, House in the Hills is simple structure. And the result is: D House is complex structure, House in the Hills is complex aesthetics.
I see it like this: A simple aesthetic is characterised by the monolithic. This translates to:
- concealed fixings,
- complexity of construction,
- mono-layering, and
- the impossibly thin.
What results from simple aesthetics is structural complexity. It is an exercise in meticulousness.
Take a closer look at D House. The columns are capped with a thin plate. The primary structure, consisting of thin vertical plates pass directly over top of the column cap plates. And then the gridded mesh flooring is bolted to these plates. Adding to the complexity is the circular penetrations, trimmed by thin vertical plates. You cannot help but wonder, how did they construct this? It is a master-stroke of beauty and elegance, but riddled with complexity. We call this the simple/complex.
On the other hand, a simple structure is characterised by ease. This translates to:
- exposed connections,
- ease of construction,
- multi-layering, and
- structure for what it is.
What results from simple structure is aesthetic complexity. It is an exercise in efficiency.
Now take a closer look at House in the Hills. There are three distinct layers. The tops of the columns support a primary steel beam. Above this primary steel beam are the secondary purlins. And above this is the grating. The construction is obvious and simple: one, then the other, then the other. We call this the complex/simple.
Layering of structure can be seen as traditional, it is the way most structures have been constructed for millennia.
But there are exceptions. Traditional Japanese woodwork is an exception. This is known for its elegance and beauty, but also for its complexity. With this complexity comes masterful craftsmanship.