‘simplicity is one of the most complicated things in life, because you have to take away, take away. this is the start of rationalism. mies’s work was to take away. that’s why christopher dresser’s work is interesting. (some of his things are horrible because they are formal. he started to make beautiful things after having gone to japan). it is difficult because you have to imagine something simpler than before, but with a better use. ‘ designboom’s editor-in chief birgit lohmann collaborated for 17 years with vico magistretti on many design projects. she loves him saying : ‘simplicity is intellectually more elegant.’ read more of the conversation with vico magistretti / joris laarman / stefano boeri