What if the way to a brighter future is not found by following ‘less is more’ but rather ‘more with less’? The first Finimalism Journal invites prolific Finnish architects and designers to share their perspectives on how to rethink the design profession for a sustainable future.
‘Less is more,’ an oft-quoted maxim by German-American architect and designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, has long steered design ideals, championing the virtues of simplicity. Over time, it became almost synonymous with a modernist, consumption-driven lifestyle where minimalism served as a style rather than a principle guiding towards restraint.
The implementation of minimalism, emphasizing minimal elegance through precious materials at the expense of nature and the rights of the less fortunate, has fortunately fallen out of favor.
Today, we require a new form of minimalism—one that radically reduces waste of natural resources and energy, rejects the exploitation of people, and combats thoughtlessness and indifference.
Through this reduction—not despite it—we can achieve more: more value, beauty, and humanity.
It's about achieving more with less.
But can this ambitious and seemingly contradictory equation truly be realized? We firmly believe it can—but only if we muster the audacity to reconsider everything we create and produce.
It's time to address what, how, and why we design—questions crucial for our present, not to be deferred to the next generation.
In our first Journal RETHINK, we've gathered insights from six Finnish designers and companies. They share their evolving experiences as architects, designers, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs—how their work has changed and continues to evolve.
They tackle emerging problems seeking solutions, navigate ethical considerations, and illuminate strategies to stay ahead of an ever-changing landscape.
Here, you'll find inspiring insights:
“The 1970s oil crisis sobered me up in terms of materials. Until then, I had designed furniture with a tubular structure, as well as some creative forms using fibreglass and plastic. I understood that the shift from plastic to renewable materials was inevitable.” Designer, Honorary Professor Yrjö Kukkapuro
“Consumers have become used to a certain fashion cycle and learned to crave new stimulation. Now there is a wake-up call, and major players in fashion are increasingly discussing how they plan to step aside from the so-called fashion calendar with their pre-collections. In practice, however, it feels that there are a lot of words and few actions.” – Fashion Designer Sofia Ilmonen
“Young architects typically want to inflate a building project into a grand vision as quickly as possible. In terms of a successful end result, however, it would be better not to start with grandness. One needs to tame one’s ego and to allow a building to design itself somewhat. This way we can give birth to something unique, both functionally and artistically.” Architect Teemu Kurkela, JKMM
“Getting to know a material requires understanding and a vision of the various processes involved, from the source all the way to the end of the life cycle. A designer is always faced with something new, and an essential part of the job is to challenge oneself and others. I wish there were more interaction amongst different fields, so that the finest aspects of architecture and design could draw from each other.”– Designer and master cabinetmaker Antrei Hartikainen
“Responsibility and environmental friendliness should no longer be distinguishing factors. We believe that the whole field of design should be based on making products according to the principles of sustainable development. Expert know-how should be harnessed to create sustainable production processes and lifecycle thinking.” – Founders Mari Martikainen & Minna Impiö, Mifuko
“Value creation by using fewer resources – more with less – should be the starting point of all architecture. Nothing should be built without good reason, whether a whole building or an individual space. Before choosing demolition, all other options should first be considered. When we discuss sustainability, we should always discuss the impacts of demolition.” Architect, Associate professor Jenni Reuter
We hope these reflections will resonate, fostering a world that embraces 'more with less.
Enjoy exploring RETHINK, and stay tuned for our upcoming Journals!
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