Postmodern Architecture Overview

Postmodernism

• Postmodern architecture is a style of architecture that emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction against the perceived sterility and coldness of modern architecture.
• Postmodern architects sought to reintroduce elements of history, ornament, and symbolism into their designs.
• Postmodernism embraces a wide range of architectural approaches.

Different Forms of Postmodern Buildings

• Historicism: Involves using historic architectural vocabularies in building designs.
• Eclecticism: Assembling different classical architectural styles in one building.
• Metaphorism: The building form is metaphorically inspired by the surroundings, including human beings, animals, plants, etc.
• Straight Revivalism: Revives Classical architectural orders such as Greek, Roman, etc.
• Neo-Vernacular: Borrows elements of vernacular architecture and adds it to contemporary architecture.

Metaphorism

• Explores the use of building forms inspired by elements of the surrounding environment.
• Examples include:
  • ExpoDach, Symbolic Construction, Expo2000, Hannover (1999-2000) - designed by Roland Schneider.
  • La Tete au Carre - Nice, France.
  • Kazumasa Yamashita Face House, Kyoto (1974).
  • Elephant Building - Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Snail House - Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Piano and Violin-Shaped Building - Huainan, China.
  • Porto Stone House - Fafe Mountains, Portugal.
  • Robot Building by Sumet Jumsai, Bangkok (1986).
  • Kindergarten Wolfartsweier by Tomi Ungerer and Ayla Suzan Yöndel, Karlsruhe (2002).
  • The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Straight Revivalism

• Revives Classical architectural orders like Greek and Roman styles.
• Postmodernists looked to past architecture for inspiration and learning.
• Classical elements like pillars, arches, and domes were used in new and often humorous ways.
• Emphasizes personal preferences and variety over objective truths and principles.
• Examples include:
  • Piazza d'Italia, New Orleans, USA (1978) - designed by Charles Moore.
  • M2 Building by Kengo Kuma, Tokyo (1991).

Neo-Vernacular

• Incorporates elements of vernacular architecture, often reflecting local climatic conditions and materials.
• Aims to blend traditional building styles with contemporary design techniques.
• Examples include:
  • Hillingdon Civic Center, London, UK (1979).
  • New Baris Village, Kharga, Egypt - designed by Hassan Fathy.
  • El Gouna Golf Villas, Hurghada, Egypt (1997) - designed by Michael Graves.
  • Sheraton Miramar, Elgouna, Egypt (1997) - designed by Michael Graves.
  • Ceramic House - Columbia.
  • Great Mosque of Djenne - Mali.

Modernism Vs Postmodernism

• Modernists might consider postmodern buildings vulgar.
• Postmodernists might view many modernist buildings as soulless and bland.
• Modernism: Flat roofs, no colors used.
• Postmodernism: Gable roofs, colors used on the facade.
• Modernist high-rise buildings were often monolithic, while postmodern buildings utilized a stack of varying design elements for a single vocabulary from ground level to the top (often referred to as a “wedding cake” design).

Double Coding

• Charles Jenks developed the concept of “double-coding” in postmodernism, meaning the design simultaneously references the past and the future.
• An example is the Children's Museum – Caryathids, Parthenon, Athens.

Characteristics of Postmodernism

• Rejects the idea of “pure” or “perfect” form.
• Draws from all methods, materials, forms, and colors available to architects.

Explore the evolution and characteristics of postmodern architecture through various forms, including historicism and eclecticism. This quiz delves into how postmodern architects incorporate history and symbolism in their designs. Test your knowledge on the distinct features that define this architectural movement.