The word “Minimalism” is often misunderstood, even by designers and junior architects, as it is symbiotic with designing little or nothing at all. On the contrary, it holds a world of its own, theories, concepts, design principles, and design approach, where everything from lamps to houses and interiors of skyscrapers have had to be curated carefully and sensibly. Exploring the world of Minimalism is like uncovering a hidden language that is adaptive to human experience and comfort. For the latest article, some incredible inspiration has been drawn from some architects and studios like Nook Architects and Habib Fida Ali Design Studio but Norm Architects’ subtle and particular approach to design and their profound works by making the most out of space, big or small, has reshaped how we think about design. So, for Norm Architects it is not just architecture, it is creating experiences with every corner and curve. This article will primarily cover the history, core values and unique design approach of Norm Architects to captivate an idea of minimalism and an architecture studio that works on such principles.
Historical Facts: Timeline, Design Approach and Project Types
The concept of minimalism is derived from the Modernist Movement and emerged as a distinct architectural style in the 1960s and 1970s. This style arose in response to the Industrial Revolution and continues to be favoured by architects for its emphasis on avoiding clutter and ornamentation. In 2008, Norm Architects was established by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Kasper Ron in Denmark, on the principles of minimalism in design. The minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired designs of Norm Architects promoted simplicity and functionality. These spaces reflect uncluttered aesthetics and adhere to traditional principles prioritising natural materials and human comfort.
The Philosophy and core values of this design studio revolve around the principles of extreme minimalism: simplicity, Timelessness, Balance, Harmony, and Human-Centered and Sensory Design. But the classic question is, what are they? And isn’t it a conventional approach to design? The principles are perceived through the implementation by Norm Architects in Kent Avenue Penthouse.
This minimalist-style Residential unit is nestled along the Brooklyn Waterfall, overlooking the East River and Manhattan Skyline. It embodies contemporary elegance and tactile materials. This space is intimate and spacious due to adopting an open plan and the layers of elements that define different zones. Architecture literature such as “Towards the New Architecture” and “Minimalism: Space, Light and Object” by Klaus Ottman gives a wide introduction to Minimalism and how the principles are applied in spatial design. Norm Architects captured the theory, and decoded environments using light, open spaces and materials to create this effect in Kent Avenue Penthouse.
“…New York’s Industrial vibes meet soft minimalism and tactile materials in this urban retreat above the vibrating city.”
(Kent Avenue Penthouse- Norm Architects)
The bespoke architecture is defined by its approach to open-plan in a house, public-private demarcation in living space and floor-to-ceiling windows that maintain the fluidity within spaces and captivate the lush greenery of Manhattan Skyline. The house is seamlessly organised through hidden storage spaces that hold the duality of walls and storage racks. Tactile and contemporary materials such as grey stone slabs, silver fixtures and black oak finishes embody elegance and tranquillity, which is a feature of space that is both intimate and spacious. Each nook and corner is thoughtful and sensibly created, the space is defined by maximising the potential of materials.
Norm Architects opted for clean and minimalist aesthetics. It prioritises these elements not just in architecture but also in interiors, photography, and art direction. Norm Architects believes collaboration is essential for growth and development, and it applies this principle by sharing processes, experiences, and ideas in architecture, design, and photography.
The Studio and Design Philosophy:
It is a studio in Copenhagen that works on a minimalist approach. Its job is to create spaces that blend design with human well-being. The studio’s aesthetic focuses on calm and minimalist design concepts nurturing neutral tones and natural materials such as wood and stone. Such design concepts and use of materials foster a sense of warmth and tranquillity, capturing the studio’s aura of honest and sustainable design that promotes a connection to nature.
“…spaces and furniture should, first and foremost, serve its user rather than merely be a means of artistic expression.”
(Norm Architects)
Key architectural features within the office highlight Norm Architects’ focus on simplicity and sensory design. Natural light is a significant element in the design, enhancing ambience and warmth without adding visual weight. The emphasis on simplicity also contributes to a clutter-free environment, reducing distractions and promoting an atmosphere of focus and mindfulness.
The studio incorporates communal areas to encourage collaborative discussions, reflecting their human-centred approach. Additionally, the layout includes spaces tailored for different functions and creative needs. Thoughtfully planned areas for creativity, concentration, and collaboration ensure the studio is both a focus zone and a collaborative hub, allowing teams to work seamlessly in synergy.
In this way, Norm Architects embodies its design philosophy every day, where functionality meets inspiration. Its studio is more than just a workspace; it is a tangible representation of the values that guide its design approach, adding a level of authenticity that can be challenging to achieve in other architectural settings.
Early Work and Transition with Arts Movement
The studio was founded on the principles of Scandinavian minimalism, emphasising simplicity and functionality in architectural design. Its early works on natural materials aimed to create tranquillity and intimacy in various spaces. Norm Studio designed serene and timeless environments while balancing expansive, open areas with cosy, intimate spaces.
Their early work comprised small-scale commercial buildings and residential units where they were allowed to set a tone for their aesthetic. The design was human-centred and detail-oriented as this principle was evident from the early design approach. Residential interiors often featured understated but elegant finishes — minimal decor with warm elements adding to a comfortable, calm ambience. Their initial interactions with Danish furniture brands like Menu increased their appetite for meticulous craftsmanship and lasting design In Gjovik House in Norway.
The design style evolved to incorporate elements of international minimalism alongside interdisciplinary designs. It emphasised sensory experiences, utilising lighting, textures, and materials to create an inviting atmosphere. This evolution also focused on blending indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light and greenery to play significant roles in their designs. These changes have attracted a more diverse clientele, reinforcing the studio’s identity as a creator of holistic, human-centred spaces.
From Inception to Present: Notable Work of Norm Architects
Norm Architects’ landmark projects portray and capture the firm’s core principles, including minimalist ethics and adaptability. These two design elements are approached through broken-plan layouts, open plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, true materials, and cultivating design elements in layers that define spaces. Each space is designed to represent elegance and simplicity at its best.
“The idea is to keep Menu Space moving and ever-changing. To have friends of the house and people we admire stop by regularly.”
(Norm Architect)
The key projects that cultivated Norm Architect’s design approach were the Gjovik House in Norway and the Menu Space in Copenhagen. In Gjovik House, architects facilitated elegance and warmth using raw materials in furniture design and broken-plan layout in spatial organisation. The residential unit was designed according to the Scandinavian climate and for well-being. The Menu Space in Copenhagen is an office unit where collaboration and individuality are incorporated with the firm’s core values. Menu Space functions as an office and a showroom, elements of flexibility are introduced through movable furniture and convertible spaces. Communal spaces are promoted by design which aids in personal development and growth through collaboration on team projects and individual work.
Gjovik House and Menu Space cater to the individual’s needs and are adaptive to users’ requirements. Norm Architects’ design emphasises the importance of designing adaptable environments that cater to the user’s needs. How was it achieved? Norm Architects introduced the dynamic lighting system in Menu Space based on time and usage. Modular furniture was introduced to transform the space to the liking of its users and to use a collaborative approach. This portrays the studio’s commitment to an adaptable environment. Detail Matters…
The firm’s recent design marvel is the Archipelago House. This residential unit is a witness to Norm Architects’ transition from tactile and intimate spaces towards sensory design. It is a fusion of Nordic and Japanese principles incorporating textures and materials that are visually soothing. The Archipelago House is a serene retreat resulting from balance and sensible collaboration and communication between the client and Norm Architect’s team giving importance to spatial design and material choices that enhance connectivity with nature.
Norm Architects stays true to its core values and design principles, showcasing simplicity, sensory awareness, and integration with nature through these projects. The values and philosophy of human well-being in design are constant. Each drawing resonates with a thoughtful commitment to creating adaptable environments that fulfil users’ requirements. These projects paved the way for studying their principles in more detail which are firmly ingrained in their design development, from concept to execution.
Early designs and Evolution of style
Norm Architects initially focused heavily on Scandinavian minimalism, simplicity, natural materials and functional objects. Initially, the company examined home interiors that embodied timeless Scandinavian principles—equilibrium, warmth and an intrinsic relationship with nature. Notable early residential projects include the iconic PH House II, a historic villa renovation in Copenhagen. The designers have used natural materials such as warm oak and teak furniture with pared-back white walls, and smoked-oak accents to balance vintage design pieces and contemporary modernism in this project. Their evolving style bears the unmistakable mark of carefully mixing traditional with modern simplicity.
“Their transition from purely Scandinavian influences to an integration of Japanese design principles was, as Architectural Digest notes, a ‘natural evolution’ that expanded their minimalist framework while preserving the studio’s core values of simplicity and warmth. This dual influence has allowed them to bring a sense of global minimalism to each project, resonating with clients seeking timeless, adaptable spaces.”
(Architectural Digest-Norm Architects)
Norm Architects began to draw inspiration from Japanese aesthetics and sensory design. They began to develop their approach, where spaces can create a sense of immersion through texture, light, and flow. Their Gjøvik House project demonstrates this ethos through a “living platform,” featuring warm woods, neutral tones, and an open-plan layout that connects to the landscape.
Evolving Philosophies and Future Direction
The future direction for Norm Architects is primarily to adapt their philosophies while maintaining their core values and design approach. This is observed through the monograph Soft Minimal and their latest designs, the studio is consistently evolving according to the client’s requirements and geographical conditions which makes the project resonate with the natural landscapes. “Sensory Engagement” and “Soft Minimalism” are emerging principles of Norm Architects, where the rigidity of structures is combined with natural material and adaptable designs to achieve this purpose without sacrificing comfort and well-being.
The next approach focuses on combining the elements of Zen such as in Japanese design principles with the Scandinavian design approach to formulate a new experience and theory. The collaboration while experimenting with new theories in design is making their spaces more adaptable to the international audience. In Studio’s publication, Stillness, an effort is made to develop a connection between the distinct design cultures -Japanese architecture and Scandinavian design principles and their shared philosophies. This book primarily covered the strategies for understanding Japanese aesthetics through Scandinavian design as they have developed similar approaches to design and share a respect for craft, nature, and sensitivity to light.
“..we have also sought to understand the kinship between our Scandinavian heritage and how one culture has influenced the other, as well as to ponder the timeless allure of Japanese aesthetics.”
( A quote from the book “Stillness”)
Through this effort and dialogue, they envisioned spaces that continue to be designed around sustainability and sensory designs that foster an environment attractive to its users and nature. Norm Architects, no doubt, are successfully designing spaces as per the “Human-Centric” approach, which inspires architectural design to be universally more acceptable.
The article captures the studio’s journey to achieve soft minimalism in design, keeping its core values of adaptability to the environment and human well-being consistent and intact throughout its work. It shows how simplicity can be incorporated with natural tactile materials, sensory elements and functionality to achieve balance and tranquillity in design. The article explains the design approach and core values of Norm Architects which revolve around human-centric and adaptable environments. The style has also evolved from soft minimalism in contrast to tactile structures to the combination of Scandinavian principles with the Japanese architecture which captures the aura of the global minimalism approach of Norm Architects. They have demonstrated the blending of simplicity and functionality in architecture and interiors that serve the purpose of comfort and connection.
Reference list:
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Connox, 2005-2019 (2024). ‘Norm Architects | Connox’. [online] Connox.com. Available at: https://www.connox.com/designers/norm.html [Accessed 10 Nov. 2024].
Design Anthology. (n.d.). Design Anthology — The premier interiors, design, architecture and urban living platform. [online] Available at: https://design-anthology.com.
Design Chronicle. (2018). Menu Space by Norm Architects. [online] Available at: https://design-chronicle.com/menu-space-by-norm-architects/ [Accessed 13 Nov. 2024].
Lemamobili.com. (2020). Norm Architects. [online] Available at: https://www.lemamobili.com/uk/lema-world/designer/norm-architects [Accessed 10 Nov. 2024].
Norm Architects. (2023). Projects Archive | Norm Architects. [online] Available at: https://normcph.com/project/ [Accessed 13 Nov. 2024].
Norm Architects. (2024). Kent Avenue Penthouse | Norm Architects. [online] Available at: https://normcph.com/project/kent-avenue-penthouse/ [Accessed 10 Nov. 2024].
