ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

The application of Minimalist philosophy in public space design

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 17 | PUBLIC SPACE

Speaker

Ms Zhaoxi Li (PhD Candidate)

Description

This research builds on three main contexts of the recent decade. Firstly, there is a recognition that the contemporary world is becoming increasingly complex, accompanied by an overload of sensory inputs that can lead to negative consequences. Secondly, the impact of aesthetic quality on human well-being and behaviour is recognised, with many urban design agendas and guidelines outlining the importance of aesthetically attractive public spaces. Thirdly, the crisis of over-consumption of resources and sustainability is receiving increasing attention. As a result, the philosophy of minimalism, increasingly seen by many as a solution for private interior spaces, promises to be explored as a remedy for urban complexity, aiming to enhance the aesthetic quality of outdoor public spaces and pursue sustainable development.

Minimalism was often referred to as a design style with features such as extreme simplicity in form, materials and means of production. The concept of minimalism is widely used in art, architecture, interior design and has recently become a fashionable way of life, with many believing that living a minimalist lifestyle is good for mental wellbeing and health. However, the concept and philosophy of minimalism remains unexplored in the field of urban design. Thus, this study is an attempt to seek a link between minimalism and urban design to explore more possibilities and potentials for future public space design.

This research builds on three key contexts that have emerged over the past decade. Firstly, there is a growing recognition that the contemporary world is becoming increasingly complex, with an overload of sensory inputs often leading to adverse consequences. Secondly, the influence of aesthetic quality on human well-being and behaviour has been widely acknowledged, with numerous urban design agendas and guidelines emphasising the importance of aesthetically pleasing public spaces. Thirdly, the escalating crisis of resource over-consumption and the urgency of sustainability have become central to global discourse. In response to these challenges, the philosophy of minimalism - often embraced as a solution for private interior spaces - offers promising potential as a remedy for urban complexity. Minimalism aims to enhance the aesthetic quality of outdoor public spaces while fostering sustainable development.
Traditionally, minimalism has been associated with a design style characterised by extreme simplicity in form, materials, and methods of production. The concept of minimalism is widely applied in art, architecture, and interior design and has more recently evolved into a popular lifestyle movement, with advocates suggesting that minimalist living contributes positively to mental well-being and health. However, the concept and philosophy of minimalism remain largely underexplored in the field of urban design. This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the relationship between minimalism and urban design, uncovering new opportunities and potentials for future public space design.
To examine the applicability of minimalism in public space design theory and practice, this research addresses three key questions: 1) How do existing theories of urban design relate to minimalist ideologies? 2) How are minimalist features currently applied in public space design, and what are their implications? 3) How can theories and practices of urban and public space design learn from minimalist ideologies to respond to the increasing complexity of cities? This research aims to develop both a conceptual framework and a practical toolkit to guide future public space design, enabling the achievement of aesthetic, sustainable, and resilient outcomes in an increasingly complex urban context.
A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating systematic online research, on-site observations of four minimalist public spaces, and semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders. The findings explore the application and impacts of minimalist principles in public space design, providing insights into broader trends and deeper understandings within the field.