Postmodern architecture

Guildhouse Philly

Postmodern architecture is a style or movement which emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against the austerity, formality, and lack of variety of modern architecture, particularly in the international style advocated by Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Moving beyond the rigid constraints and minimalism of modernism, postmodern architecture seeks to reintroduce ornament, color, and symbolism to buildings. This architectural approach is characterized by its eclectic nature and a playful, often ironic take on architectural tradition, mixing past architectural styles and cultural references in a new and often unexpected way.

Characteristics

Postmodern architecture is distinguished by its diversity and willingness to embrace a variety of styles, contradicting the modernist doctrine of "less is more" with "less is a bore," as famously stated by architect Robert Venturi. Key characteristics include:

• Historical reference and eclecticism: Buildings often incorporate elements from past architectural styles, combining them in new ways or adding them to modern designs.
• Hybrid forms and functions: Structures may blend traditional architectural forms with modernist designs, creating unique, hybrid buildings.
• Playful and ironic details: Postmodern buildings often feature whimsical or ironic reinterpretations of classical details, such as exaggerated or distorted columns, pediments, and motifs.
• Color and ornamentation: Unlike the stark minimalism of modernism, postmodernism embraces color, ornament, and texture, adding visual interest and complexity to buildings.
• Fragmentation: Buildings may appear fragmented or deconstructed, challenging traditional ideas of form and structure.

Notable Architects and Works

Several architects are closely associated with postmodern architecture, including:

• Robert Venturi, whose book Learning from Las Vegas (co-authored with Denise Scott Brown and Steven Izenour) critiqued modernism and laid the groundwork for postmodern thought in architecture.
• Michael Graves, known for the Portland Building in Oregon and the Humana Building in Kentucky, which feature colorful facades and ornamental details.
• Philip Johnson, who designed the AT&T Building (now known as 550 Madison Avenue) in New York, famous for its Chippendale-style pediment.
• Charles Moore, whose Piazza d'Italia in New Orleans is a playful, colorful space that references classical Roman architecture in a contemporary context.

Impact and Criticism

Postmodern architecture has been both praised and criticized. Proponents argue that it offers freedom, variety, and a more human-scaled approach to architecture, allowing for more personal and cultural expression. Critics, however, contend that its reliance on past styles can be superficial and that its eclectic approach lacks the coherence and integrity of modernism.

Despite the controversy, postmodern architecture has had a lasting impact on architectural theory and practice, encouraging a more inclusive approach to design that values diversity, context, and the user's experience.

See Also

• Modern architecture
• Deconstructivism
• Contemporary architecture
• Architectural style