Postmodern Architecture

Postmodern architecture is a new style of construction, which gives so much significance to how the buildings looks just as much as to the practicality. The objective of postmodernism featured a vast range of principles and practices that are not usually considered 'acceptable' founded on long-established philosophies. It has affected each and every sector of discipline, comprising Arts and Architecture. Constructions are not only planned to implement common purpose but also integrated with significant features such as pluralism, irony, paradox and contextualism.

Piazza d’Italia, Charles Moore, 1978.

Swan and Dolphin Hotels, 1990, Michael Graves.

Sometimes postmodern architecture is known as neo-eclectic. It ignores the common structures of buildings, and instead goes for extraordinary and state-of-the-art constructions, flamboyant hues, decorations, ornaments and various designs. Many structures now have sculptural shapes or even plastic decorating its exteriors and interiors, which contributes to the grandeur and uniqueness of the structures. It adopts miscellaneous stylistic features from various structures, and then integrates them together to come up with something completely unique. Even though it adopts from the common modern forms, a new twist is given to them to make them look outstanding. Albeit postmodern architecture was transpired from the modern form, it goes against the very core of modernism as it makes use of decorations to the fullest. It utilizes the corresponding forms, features and shapes, which are then complemented by various contrasting hues to make them stand out. Since the façade of the building is symmetrical, the corners are tightly packed and the windows are in line with the walls. The distinctive feature of postmodern design is comfortable spaces with a combination of materials, unconventional angles and symmetry.

Postmodern constructions assure sustainability, use high standard materials, and are fully practical and useful. Incidentally, many materials like iron and steel also became obtainable, and this led to innovative developments of new methods in construction.

Denver Public Library, Michael Graves, 1995.

MI6, Terry Farrell, 1994.

Les Espaces d’Abraxas, Ricardo Bofill, 1978.

Team Disney building in Burbank, California, 1986.

400 West Market in Louisville, Kentucky by Philip Johnson (1993).

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 Top of FormSearch Bottom Sometimes this style uses minimal materials and embellishments, borrowing form over function from the past with eclectic designs. The types that delineated the style were craft revival, ergonomic furniture and art pieces like sculptural chairs and coffee tables. Plastic laminates, marble and recycled materials were used to create objects. Innovations of modern materials such as chrome, PVC and plastic set at ease the creation and manufacturing of plain and stylish furniture to compliment progressive designed spaces. The resulting look is sleek, fresh and contemporary, completely functional and practical, and artistic in nature.

Robert Venturi’s Vanna Venturi House (1964).

Robert Venturi’s Vanna Venturi House represents the Postmodernist target of communicating a meaning and the characteristic of symbolism. The façade is a symbolic post-modern house through the use of symmetry and the arch over the entrance.

Sony Building , New York City by Philip Johnson (1978)

The Sony Building which is formerly known as AT&T Building is a tall skyscraper which generates connotations of outstanding advanced technology. Although, the top contradicts this. The top part conveys features of classical antiquity. Double coding is visible on the Sony Tower and is a prevalent trait of Postmodernism. This edifice became immediately popular for being anticipative because the roof was constructed similar to an open pediment.

References

Research:

"Postmodern architecture". Available at:                                                             https://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Postmodern-architecture.pdf [Accessed 21 May 2017]

"Defining Postmodern Architecture and Its Characteristics"[Online]. Independent Chartered Building Surveyors. Available at:                                                                                                 http://www.cockrams-surveyors.co.uk/blog/buildings/defining-postmodern-architecture-and-its-characteristics/ [Accessed 21 May 2017]

René Boer. "8 Reasons You Will Also Like Postmodern Architecture In 2016"
[Online]. 22 December 2015. Failed Architecture.  Available at: https://www.failedarchitecture.com/8-reasons-you-will-also-like-postmodern-architecture-in-2016/[Accessed 21 May 2017]

"Stylistic Characteristics of Postmodern Architecture With Examples"[Online]. Buzzle. Available at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/stylistic-characteristics-of-postmodern-architecture.html [Accessed 21 May 2017]

Terry Wong. "Design Style: Post-Modern"[Online]. HGTV. Available at: http://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/blog/design-style-post-modern-26894/ [Accessed 21 May 2017]

"10 BUILDINGS HOMES TOWNS PARKS THAT CHANGED AMERICA"[Online]. wttw. Available at:                                                                                                      http://interactive.wttw.com/tenbuildings/vanna-venturi-house [Accessed 21 May 2017]

Images:

René Boer. "8 Reasons You Will Also Like Postmodern Architecture In 2016"
[Online]. 22 December 2015. Failed Architecture.  Available at: https://www.failedarchitecture.com/8-reasons-you-will-also-like-postmodern-architecture-in-2016/[Accessed 21 May 2017]

"10 BUILDINGS HOMES TOWNS PARKS THAT CHANGED AMERICA"[Online]. wttw.  Available at:                                                                                    http://interactive.wttw.com/tenbuildings/vanna-venturi-house [Accessed 21 May 2017]

"Postmodern architecture"[Online]. Wikipedia. Available at:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodern_architecture [Accessed 21 May 2017]