Outside the Design Museum in London at the moment in the think tank is a bit about the history of Coke (Coca Cola, that is)…

It’s a good look at some of the brand guidelines for Coke – although i’m not entirely sure whether it’s new or old – it’s definitely something quite interesting. To go into this much detail about how the text should be aligned is very specific.

Donald Judd describes John Pawson’s work as ‘The simple expression of complex thought’. The exhibition on Pawson’s work at the Design Museum, which ended recently, shows a great overview of his design approach and methodology to architectural practice.

In order to understand some of the complex thought which goes into his projects, there is the global methodology of the architect and then the attention to detail which is given to each project.

‘The state of minimum is not one of austerity nor deprivation. It is clarity of space’. - John Pawson

This quote explains his overall approach to minimalist design. Concentrating on the pure form, importance of space and the use of a lot of white paint.

Some of the attention to detail explained by the exhibition and especially within the Monstary project was quite interesting. One of the Monks’ specific requests were to have no individual lighting within the dormatory, but general lighting only. And a certain section of the dormatory was required to be specifically set aside for those who snored!

The level of detail within the requirements on this project was fascinating. Sound levels and materials, light and other things you don’t think about during the course of everyday life.

This project, the requirements, the final piece and the models which were created along the way gave a great insight into how Pawson’s architectural methodology allowed them to explore creating the best use of space, and the models really helped to show how much consideration went into the physical art form of the buildings.

John Pawson’s starting point for every project is a minute and detailed examination of its context. He explores landscapes… in order to trigger ideas. He looks for ways of making the most of the light conditions. - Words from Design Museum on Landscape and Material

A full understanding of the context and the requirements, knowledge about the materials used and an understanding of how to use space are just some of the qualities shown within the exhibition, which should be understood by all architects. Indeed, this could even be applied to any form of art and design. Understand what you are doing, how you’re going to do it including the materials you are going to use, and then produce something with meaning in the right context.

If you do get to check out any of John Pawson’s work in the future, take a look. It’s totally worth it.

A couple of photos below show the level of detail which is communicated in John Pawson’s models.

More photos from John Pawson Plain Space.

I took some time out to visit the Dieter Rams exhibition at the Design Museum. Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams is in it’s last weeks, an I wanted to take a look before it moved on or disappeared forever. I thought it might be a good place to see some of his products in the flesh and take a few photos.

I’ve been aware of Dieter Ram’s design ethos since studying product design. His ten principles of good design are taught to design students around the world, and provide a firm basis for professional industrial designers everywhere.

Dieter Rams is most famous for working with Braun for over 40 years and developing the unique style within the brand. His aim is to omit everything superfluous so that the essential is shown to the best possible advantage. The instantly recognisable result is functional products with a simple and elegant style.

The range of products Rams designed with the Braun family cover record players, radios, hair dryers, video cameras, flash guns, coffee grinders, heaters, a watch or two and many more. The open, honest and truly functional product designs each have their own qualities and individual personalities. A few of these above and below.

The exhibition at the Design Museum has been a great chance to take a closer look at the products. Many of the little details which can’t be seen in books, photographs and even within videos are clearly visible. Each of the products work on their own, or displayed within a group. It’s clear that these beautiful products have set a trend, philosophy and direction which is used by modern greats such as Jonathan Ive, Jasper Morrison and others.

If you’d like to know more, check out the design museum or Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams the book. Exhibition is on until the 9th March 2010.

All photography by me.