Architecture accounts for minimalist inspiration on Instagram
Having shared our favourite sources for low-key design – from interiors to furniture – we’re turning our eye to the architects we follow for minimalist inspiration on Instagram. These accounts offer a reprieve from the attention-grabbing world of Instagram with swoon-worthy shots of simple, clean-lined spaces that are all about the detail.
@johnpawson
Reflecting on Instagram’s role in relation to his work, John Pawson explains that editing and curating are essential aspects of his daily practice, so his feed becomes “an extended exploration of the themes of minimum – landscape, light, mass, repetition, essence, structure, ritual, order, containment, volume and expression. Where subjects are returned to repeatedly, the nuances of difference may be very small, but something new is captured each time. It’s about characterising a way of looking but also building up a picture of a broader philosophy.”
A certain serenity radiates from his feed, with its focus on natural elements – light and water make frequent appearances – and architectural details that has us, and his 200k+ followers, hooked. Check out our Photo Essay on Pawson’s new book, Anatomy of Minimum, here.
@aljawadpike
Conscious of creating work that is eloquent and meaningful, Jessam Al-Jawad and Dean Pike of Al-Jawad Pike studio say of their feed, “We set up two rules that we still try to follow: to only publish images of completed projects or physical models – no CGI or digital drawings – and to treat the account as a gallery rather than a visual journal. We try to communicate a level of calmness.” Focusing on the essentials in both architecture and design, their feed utilises a triptych of images to showcase a sensitive approach to materials and colour.
@osullivanskoufoglouarchitects
O’Sullivan Skoufoglou Architects was founded in 2016 by Jody O’Sullivan and Amalia Skoufoglou. The practice is centred on a collaborative, thoughtful methodology to each project and works closely with craftspeople. Their approach to Instagram began as a place to share news and engage with other architects, their students and collaborators, but, they explain, “It has gradually become more polished and now features completed maquettes and projects, rather than work-in-progress shots – though that is where it all began and we hope to revert back to more of this in the future.” Their feed is all about smooth lines, the use of warm woods and the fundamental role of natural light in creating harmonious space.
@foundassociates
From sketches to works-in-progress and the final product, Found Associates’ feed is a visual catalogue of ideas with minimalism at its heart. “Our aim is to create serene environments that clients can slowly personalise with particular objects, paintings and belongings. Clutter, if not carefully managed, becomes visual noise. And we love the way Instagram allows us to post images of both large-scale projects and these intimate details in close-up.” Flashes of colour intermit with geometric lines, light-infused spaces and refreshingly stripped back projects mid-way through construction.
Check out our visit to Found Associates founder, Richard
Found’s, ode to minimal design in the Cotswolds here.
@erbarmattes
With a focus on creating unique spaces through meticulous attention to light, materials and form, Demian Erbar and Holger Mattes of architecture studio Erbar Mattes explain that they “were a little sceptical of the fast pace of online media to begin with”. Luckily for us, they jumped on board and haven’t looked back. Images of elegant spaces adorn their feed, imbuing a level of clarity and calm that is often lost on social media. We love the interspersed concept design model shots that offer a behind-the-scene look at their process.
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