Archiol competitions has organized this first edition of the minimal dwelling design competition to understand the possibilities of minimalism in residential design.

"I believe that the way people live can be directed a little by architecture.
– Tadao Ando

Digital progress has made our lives easy, with everything available at a click of a button. Humans have started hoarding the ‘wants’ over ‘needs’; minimalism can solve most issues and shortcomings in our easy lives.
Minimalism in architecture frees us from the visual pollution and clutter that extraordinary designs create. Architecture (Home) appreciates space and brings peace and silence to the dwellers.
Design a minimal home for a family of three, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and their five years old daughter. Mr. Smith is a homemaker and loves cooking, Mrs. Smith is self-employed (A digital artist) and works from home full time, and their daughter is home-schooled. A family that recently moved out of the city to experience silence and nature, their requirements are simple and functional. For a family that believes in minimalism and practices it as a lifestyle, this home is an attempt to take back control of their lives.
Design a brief for this family considering the number of rooms and type of spaces along with the areas in sq. m. Location is not specified; select a countryside location that suits this family’s requirements.

“Essential Architecture is neither cold, nor cruel, neither perfectionist nor untouchable, neither oppressive nor overwhelming, it is not just to be photographed, it is clean and simple, it is natural and open, it is free and liberating, it is for living.”
- Architect Alberto Campo Baeza

Purpose:
This competition aims to understand the meaning of “Less is more”
Objective:
To experiment and create most simplistic architecture that one can reside in.

Design expectations:
• A minimal residential design
• Focus on essential and indispensable
• Give importance to functions, materials and natural light

Case studies:
• Farnsworth House – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
• Glass Pavilion – Steve Hermann

Guidelines:
• Site / Location: Participants choice.
• You have to design a minimal home for a family of three.
• The word to remember is ‘Minimalism’.
• We are expecting a minimal family home that’s suits the family’s lifestyle
• Drawing requirements: Conceptual (Priority), Plans, Sections, Elevations, View.
• Support your design with all possible explanations, (Formats that are accepted: Text, Video, Audio and drawings).

Key words to be remembered:
• Minimalism in architecture: involves the use of simple design elements, without ornamentation or decoration.

“If you give people nothingness, they can ponder what can be achieved from that nothingness.”
- Tadao Ando.

Participation:
• This competition is open to all.
• You can participate individually or as a team (Maximum 4 members in a team)