I’m not sure why the fees for architects are so high, but to keep progressing on my modern house in Minecraft PE, I had to take on the design myself. Fortunately, this week I spoke with a contemporary design expert from the Minecraft community, Matthias Lund (also known as TheDenux), which has left me feeling quite inspired and optimistic that everything will go smoothly!
Of course, I didn’t have a supervisor while drafting my plans, and I made some adjustments during a roller coaster ride, but I trust that the builders can bring them to life.
While the builders continue to gaze at my sketches with what I can only describe as overwhelming joy, I’d like to share some wise words that Matthias imparted to me! Get ready for a sharp, clean dose of minimalist inspiration.
Matthias is an experienced designer, not just within Minecraft PE. While he’s still learning, he also works for a real estate development company and has taken a course called “Architectural Imagination” at Harvard.
“It’s about how we envision and represent society through architecture,” Matthias explains to me. “During the course, I learned a lot about styles and building methods. I believe it’s crucial to provide yourself with examples and images to incorporate some distortions into your designs.”
He clarifies, “An example could be ensuring that your building adheres to the ‘Golden Ratio’ along with the chosen blocks from MCPE and colors you plan to use. Typically, I aim to build in neutral tones and then add various color shades.”
The Golden Ratio is a precise measurement of asymmetrical design (which is merely a mathematical formula) found in the works of artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Essentially, the Golden Ratio employs exact proportions and dimensions of objects to create visually pleasing imagery, often seen in nature’s most beautiful spirals. This concept is too complex for someone like me, who barely finished preschool. If you’re interested in trying to grasp it, feel free to click this link; it’s clear that these are wonders crafted by Matthias!
Matthias’s work appears so pristine that it seems rather simple; yet it is so elegant that it feels effortless. You know, it’s the kind of design that is so thoughtfully conceived and meticulously planned that it looks like a gentle breeze.
“I probably developed my building style while constructing alongside my good friends,” Matthias tells me. “For several years, we’ve been working on one of the largest cities in Minecraft PE, called Greenfield. There, I got used to creating buildings based on real-life structures, but they needed to be realistic, and eventually, I wanted to do something cooler and more modern. So today, my architectural style reflects something realistic yet very luxurious and elegant.”
Matthias’s creations seem realistic, yet they possess an elegance that makes them feel otherworldly. This sensation mirrors my favorite piece of his to date: “Kensington Wharf,” which he recently unveiled. “I was inspired to construct it based on a project our company is currently developing in real life,” he shares, “but heavily modified. It embodies the idea of a structure I adore—like a small area surrounded by water and greenery, secluded from the bustling city life.”
The blend of modern design and timeless natural beauty is so close together. Perhaps that’s why it feels just out of reach—try achieving that in real London without being a billionaire.
So, how does Matthias create such stunning buildings with such flair? “My passion for architecture likely stems from my love for design and fashion,” Matthias reveals to me. “What sets me apart from other contemporary builders, I think, is my commitment to a very strict domino system. Every block placed is done so intentionally. I live in Copenhagen, Denmark, and that’s also where I draw my inspiration from.”
He continues, “Modern architecture represents reality and the future, whereas traditionalists depict the past. I don’t find that particularly interesting. For me, designing the future is what excites me.”
Well, I wish Matthias all the best with his future aspirations.
