Designing new buildings to saving old ones

Jack is sitting out on the deck, talking to Bill, an architect, looking back on his career.

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Jack: So you began your career in 1949?

Bill: About then. It was just after the war and the country was gung-ho with new ideas. I was drawn to simplicity in form, particularly the work of Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.

Jack: Hence your buildings in a minimalist style?

Bill: That’s it.

Jack: And then over the past twenty years you’ve been very active in the Historic Places Trust.

Bill: Yes, advising on which buildings are worth keeping and which less so. Giving them a grading. It’s a bit ironic really. I started my life designing new buildings and ended up saving old ones.
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Minimalism extremis

Wilhelm G. and Stefan J. meet over muesli in the basement dining room between frequent forays to the smorresbord.

Wilhelm G: The fold-down beds, the origami bathroom, recessed lights, TV hanging from the ceiling. Quite clever design.

Stefan J: The room´s OK. Bit pricey for what it is but clean. But there is another side to its minimalism. This hotel has how many rooms?

Wilhelm G: 200?

Stefan J: Two hundred and sixty-two. With only two overworked receptionists in the tiny lobby. Check-in and check-out is chaotic.

Wilhelm G: Sounds like the profitability masquerading as minimalism that's your speciality. You could have checked your email on the computer while waiting.

Stefan J: Ha! One computer in the lobby for 262 rooms? And on one of those dated-looking, slow-as-a-wet-week, lampshade Macs? Even I have to admit they were a bit heavy on form and light on content.

Wilhelm G: Ya, friend of mine used to call them air-heads. In fairness, Macs have got a bit better.

Stefan J: Oh for a hotel with at least three reception staff for fifty rooms. There are times when a robust system that can cope with load is preferable to the aesthetics and environmentalism of lean minimalism.
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