Conceptual Analysis of Design Approaches of the Maximalist Movement in Architecture


Authors : Benedict Anyanwu

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3z3pw9xt

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/56c89266

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2373

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The minimalist movement in architecture contrasts with maximalist principles in that it celebrates complicated, lavish, and story rich. As the opposite of modernism, maximalism grows as an artistic and design movement of the twentyfirst century based on the Baroque and Rococo periods, and institutionalizing vernacular, eccentricity, and immersion. This paper explores the theoretical context and origin, as well as the cultural relevance of maximalist design in addressing modern issues like sustainable and globalization design. Ornament and ornamented, relativism as the architecture, the use of various cultures in the construction of buildings, such as the Sagrada Família and CopenHill Ingels. This research will expose the historical growth of maximalist architecture, its connection to the other movements in architecture and its prominence in this contemporary era amidst cultural re-orientation, social factors and economic advancements. Qualitative research method is being employed in this study to achieve a conceptual understanding of the strategies of the maximalist movement in architecture. The findings of this research will offer valuable insights to the improvement of future architectural design and practices in view to separating maximalist movement from other forms of architectural movements. This paper shows how Maximalism transforms architectural aesthetics through user interaction and environmental sustainability, debunking claims of over-the-top designs. The relevance of the movement is defined by this integration of everyday use and creative experience which is an important key to responding to questions of urbanization, cultural difference, and ecology. This paper outlines how maximalism is a progressive architectural movement that articulates difference, narrative, and responsibility to define architecture’s potential.

Keywords : Maximalism, Architecture, Cultural Inclusivity, Ornamentation, Sustainability, Experiential Design.

References :

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The minimalist movement in architecture contrasts with maximalist principles in that it celebrates complicated, lavish, and story rich. As the opposite of modernism, maximalism grows as an artistic and design movement of the twentyfirst century based on the Baroque and Rococo periods, and institutionalizing vernacular, eccentricity, and immersion. This paper explores the theoretical context and origin, as well as the cultural relevance of maximalist design in addressing modern issues like sustainable and globalization design. Ornament and ornamented, relativism as the architecture, the use of various cultures in the construction of buildings, such as the Sagrada Família and CopenHill Ingels. This research will expose the historical growth of maximalist architecture, its connection to the other movements in architecture and its prominence in this contemporary era amidst cultural re-orientation, social factors and economic advancements. Qualitative research method is being employed in this study to achieve a conceptual understanding of the strategies of the maximalist movement in architecture. The findings of this research will offer valuable insights to the improvement of future architectural design and practices in view to separating maximalist movement from other forms of architectural movements. This paper shows how Maximalism transforms architectural aesthetics through user interaction and environmental sustainability, debunking claims of over-the-top designs. The relevance of the movement is defined by this integration of everyday use and creative experience which is an important key to responding to questions of urbanization, cultural difference, and ecology. This paper outlines how maximalism is a progressive architectural movement that articulates difference, narrative, and responsibility to define architecture’s potential.

Keywords : Maximalism, Architecture, Cultural Inclusivity, Ornamentation, Sustainability, Experiential Design.

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