‘Making Life Simpler’: John Pawson’s Celebrated Minimalism

For all the design lovers out there, there is a new book to add to your coffee tables. In ‘John Pawson: Making Life Simpler,’ scholar, writer, and critic Deyan Sudji delves into the life of celebrated British architectural designer John Pawson. Known for his minimalism and intentional and stylish paring-down of spaces to reflect light and proportion, Pawson’s career spans hospitality projects around the world, residences (such as The Gramercy Park in New York and Neuendorf House in Spain) to simplified religious spaces, galleries, stores, and homeware.

The architectural staircase at The Madrid EDITION is a stunner

Pawson maintained the traditional religious motifs of The Jaffa's past

Collaborating extensively with Ian Schrager, Pawson designed some of our favorite hotels, including the PUBLIC, West Hollywood EDITION, The Madrid EDITION, and The Jaffa in Tel Aviv, where he converted a centuries-old Christian Convent while keeping the spatial narrative charged with historic essence. He also ideated the lobby of the iconic Hotel Puerta America in Madrid.

John Pawson: Making Life Simpler by Deyan Sudjic, published by Phaidon

The book features never-seen-before photos of Pawson's works

The only comprehensive book on the architect, ‘Making Life Simpler’ provides valuable insights into Pawson’s life, from his childhood in England’s Yorkshire to his career-altering stint in Japan in his twenties. The author, a long-time friend of Pawson’s, creates a compelling story by intersecting travel, fashion, art, design, and photography in a visually rich biography. The book also features anecdotes about collaborations with famous clients like Bruce Chatwin, Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Shiro Kuramata, and Martha Stewart.

An intimate vignette into the life of one of the leading names in architecture, ‘John Pawson: Making Life Simpler,’ is a must-have for design enthusiasts looking to learn, grow, and be inspired. Get yourself a copy here.

Clean, minimal bedrooms at The West Hollywood EDITION

Pawson designed the lobby at Puerta America to be a space of peace and quiet in the heart of the hotel

Check out Alex de Mora’s review of The Madrid EDITION
Check out Polina Sova’s review of The West Hollywood EDITION
Check out Olivia Lopez ‘s review of PUBLIC

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