In contrast to the classical modernists, who in their conception of space strove for a continuity of flow
between interior and exterior as well as private and public areas, the minimalists favour a clear division.
This separation is a logical consequence of the self-sufficiency of the objects, their removal from
context, the radical reductionism of the architecture and the fetishization of the material along with
concealment of use. The result is a radical division between exterior appearance and what is happening
inside (use). The facade becomes an autonomous object by virtue of its imagery and its monolithic
appearance. By means of its opacity it serves to veil the interior. Behind this seamless skin the building
is hermetically sealed from its environment. Such buildings are introverted, referring back to themselves.
The Pfaffenholz sports complex in St Louis by Herzog & DeMeuron is a good example. The building is
windowless, completely detached from the nature around it. All sporting activity takes place inside. The
"Kunstkiste", a similar project by the same architects, is a new museum in the urban centre of Bonn.
9
Totally removed from its urban context it is entirely introverted. From outside it is almost impossible to
even guess what uses the facade conceals