Minimalism Still Strong in Southeast Asian Architecture and Interior Design

Minimalism was first described by pioneer minimalist architect Mies van der Rohe as "less is more".

As an art movement, minimalism first got its start in Europe and found its way into architecture through the Bauhaus movement in Germany and the Dutch De Stijl movement in the early 20th century.

Although the term originated in Europe, the inspiration for minimalist architecture and interior design dates back to 15th century Higashiyama culture in Japan. Higashiyama architecture follows the concept of wabi-sabi, which can be interpreted as "the art of finding beauty in imperfection and profundity in earthiness, of revering authenticity above all".

Globally, interior design trends over the last decade or so have seen the popularisation of Art Deco, industrial and Scandinavian styles, but even though design concepts in modern architecture are boundless, minimalism has transcended its rich history into modern-day contemporary architecture and remains highly popular in Asian and European architecture and interior design.

An outstanding example of this is the Static House, designed by architectural firm TWS and Partners in Jakarta. Water features and courtyard gardens bring the outdoors into the home, while wooden ethnic furniture and the abundance of natural light during the day bring the home to life against a minimalist backdrop.

Eco-conscious technology that accents the home

Minimal Art Series

Minimalism in building design has not stopped at just furniture and the thoughtful use of light and space. Along with Panasonic's primary goal to offer environmentally friendly building solutions, the company has taken minimalism into the design of its "Minimal Art" and "Style-e" wiring devices series.

"Less is more" is the hallmark of these technologies. Japanese engineering guarantees that they are built to the highest standards; the entire internal structure of the "Minimal Art" and "Style-e" series is insulated with urea and PBT resins for guaranteed heat and shock protection. They are also built for ease of secure installation, making them ideal for retrofitting in existing homes and offices.

The "Minimal Art" series features clean, simple lines in its design and work with fingertip control. All "Minimal Art" switches and other devices are illuminated by a soft phosphorescent glow, making them easy to locate in the dark. Truly elegant in its simplicity, Minimal Art light switches are ideal for modern living.

Style-e Range

The "Style-e" range of wiring devices are equally sophisticated in design and function. Winner of the 2009 Good Design Award (GDA) in Japan, "Style-e" wiring devices are only 6mm thick and come in a range of classic earthy colors to complement the interiors of a minimalist home.

Examples such as Jakarta's Static House prove that minimalism remains an enduring trend, giving architects and interior designers unlimited opportunities to create personalised spaces. Property developers and architects who are fans of the little things that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary will find the range of switches and outlets an ideal finishing touch to any new home or commercial property.

Panasonic's Minimal Art series is available for purchase in Indonesia and Vietnam (Series called "Gen-X" in Vietnam) as well as the Style-e series in Indonesia. For more information, we invite you to visit our showrooms.