History And Theories of Contemporary Architecture Lecture 10A PDF

Department of Architectural Engineering HISTORY AND THEORIES OF CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE Lecture 10 A Postmodernism...

Department of Architectural Engineering HISTORY AND THEORIES OF CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE Lecture 10 A Postmodernism Historicism, Eclecticism | Department of Architectural Engineering | ARCH 366 History and Theories of Contemporary Architecture | 3 Cr H  Department of Architectural Engineering Overview In this class A In next class B Postmodernism, Metaphorism, Historicism, Straight Revivalism, Eclecticism Neo–Vernacular What are the top five reasons that Bauhaus design does not succeed in Al Ain? 1. Cultural and Historical Dissonance: The Bauhaus design, with its European origins and modernist leanings, may not resonate with the deep-rooted cultural and historical narratives of Al Ain. 2. Climatic Incompatibility: Bauhaus emphasizes flat roofs and large glass facades, which may not be suitable for the desert climate of Al Ain, where protection from the sun and insulation are crucial. 3. Local Aesthetic Preferences: The minimalist and functional aesthetics of Bauhaus might clash with the more ornate and decorative preferences prevalent in Middle Eastern architecture. 4. Material and Construction Methods: Bauhaus often utilizes materials like steel, glass, and concrete. In Al Ain, traditional construction might favor materials that are more locally available or suitable for the climate, such as mud bricks or adobe. 5. Socio-Economic Factors: The cost and expertise required to implement Bauhaus designs might not align with the local construction ecosystem in Al Ain, making it a less viable option for widespread adoption. Postmodernity & Postmodernism: A Brief Overview Postmodernity: Refers to the economic/cultural state after Modernity. Some believe it replaced modernity in the late 20th century, others see them as overlapping. Postmodernism in Architecture: Emerged in the 1960s, peaked in the 80s, and remained influential in the 90s. Origin: Often viewed as an American movement, starting in the USA in the 60s-70s, then expanding globally. Architectural Style: Blends pre-modern elements, deviating from strict lines to embrace eclectic designs. Postmodernism: A Reaction and Evolution Against Modernism: A counter to modern architecture's austerity, simplicity, and functionalism. Breaking Free from Rules: Rejects early modernist constraints, embracing creativity in techniques, angles, and styles. Why it Emerged: Addressed the perceived shortcomings of Modern Architecture, especially its neglect of human comfort - both visual and physical. A New Approach: Goes beyond "pure" forms, leveraging diverse methods, materials, and aesthetics. The Rise of Postmodern Architecture Emergence: Began in the late 1970s, addressing modernism's lack of cultural and traditional resonance. Features: Revival of styles across eras, bringing diverse forms to all building types. Key Figure - Robert Venturi: Notable Work: "Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture" (1966). Philosophy: Buildings should convey meanings; interpretations can vary as architecture has multiple layers of significance. Another Pillar - Charles Jencks: Notable Work: "The Language of Postmodern Architecture" (1977). Contributions: Defined and categorized styles like Historicism, Eclecticism, Neo-Vernacular, and more. Multifaceted Interpretations 1.Metaphorical Interpretation: Given its shape and layout, of Architecture. the building may resemble the unfolding petals of a blooming flower. This could symbolize growth, renewal, or the blossoming of an idea or community. 2.Historical Reference: The architectural style might hearken back to a specific era or movement, suggesting a respect for traditions or a desire to invoke the sentiments of that time. 3.Functional Interpretation: The "petal-like" divisions might not just be aesthetic. They could indicate separate functional areas or zones within the building, optimized for specific activities or purposes. Notre Dame Du Haute- Ron Champ Chapel 4.Cultural Significance: In some cultures, flowers have specific meanings or are associated with certain events or deities. The building might be referencing these cultural symbols. 5.Architectural Dialogue: The building could be responding to or conversing with other architectural styles or structures in its vicinity, either complementing or contrasting with them. Baha’i Lotus Temple, built by Fariboz Sahba in New Delhi, 1986 Unique Architectural Marvels from Around the World Some eclectic buildings from around the world, boasting unique architectural designs worth visiting, include: Habitat 67 in Montreal, Canada The "Batman Building" in Nashville, TN, USA Nautilus House in Mexico City, Mexico House Attack in Vienna, Austria The Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, USA" Schools of Postmodern Architecture Postmodernism Straight Historicism Eclecticism Metaphorism Neo–Vernacular Revivalism using historical assembling the building form is the revival of borrowing architectural different classical metaphorically Classical elements of vocabularies in architectural styles inspired by the architectural orders vernacular building designs in one building surroundings such as Greek, architecture and including human Roman, etc. adding it to the beings, animals, contemporary plants, etc. architecture. Schools of Postmodern Architecture Historicism Historicism means using historical architectural vocabularies in building designs Vanna Venturi House, Philadelphia, 1964, by Robert Venturi Don't be bound by strict Modern Architecture norms. Hybrid designs can be more intriguing than pure ones. Compromise and distortion can add character. Embrace messiness and unexpected turns. Celebrate duality in design. Robert Venturi Vanna Venturi House House elements challenge Modernist standards. Pitched roof replaces the typical flat one. Central hearth emphasizes traditional design. Ground floor is closed, not opened with glass. Front features ornamental arch, breaking from Modernism. Direct departure from Modernist aesthetics. Less is More or Bore while both phrases champion minimalism, "Less is More" emphasizes the aesthetic and functional benefits, while "Less is Pure" underscores the philosophical and authentic virtues of minimalistic design. Robert Venturi Mies van der Rohe  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG157MWKEas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gcrdMUFh40 Vanna Venturi House Vanna Venturi House, by Robert Venturi, Philadelphia (1964) Vanna Venturi House, interior images AT&T Headquarters (now the SONY Building) ,1984 , designed by Philip Johnson & John Burgee AT&T building: Blend of past and present Masonry dominant; only 30% glass Classical architectural revival Designed by Johnson & Burgee Three parts: base, column, pediment Inspired by Greek temple elevations. AT&T Headquarters (now the SONY Building) Entrance with large round arch Resembles triumphal arch Similar to Romanesque portal Arch of Constantine – Rome, Lazio, Italy Marble Arch in Hyde Park, London AT&T Headquarters (now the SONY Building) File:Sony Building by David Shankbone.jpg Top slopes downward Resembles a pediment Central space: orbiculum Similar to 18th century dressers. Conclusion on Historicism Approach: Bridges the past with the present. Enriches architecture with layers of meaning. Creates a living narrative from past eras. Draws from the richness of history. Innovates for contemporary needs. Resonates with cultural memory. Ensures timeless relevance in architecture. Promotes continuity in design. Schools of Postmodern Architecture Eclecticism Eclecticism means assembling different classical architectural styles in one building Emerged prominently in the 19th and 20th centuries. Integrates elements from various architectural periods and cultures. Not limited to a single style; it's a blend of traditional motifs. Incorporates diverse decorative aesthetics and ornaments. Values the richness of global architectural heritage. Offers a broader palette for architectural expression. Celebrates the interconnectedness of world architectural history. Eclecticism means assembling different classical architectural styles in one building Oregon Building in Portland, 1984, by Michael Graves Portland Building: Key Points Designed by Michael Graves. One of the pioneering postmodern structures. Represents a departure from early 20th-century Modernist ideals. The design was a result of a significant design competition. Renowned architect Philip Johnson was on the selection committee. Symbolizes the shift in architectural thinking during its era. Embraces ornamentation and color, contrasting Modernism's austerity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbi2B_1hDls Portland Building in Oregon Key Points Dominated by abstracted classical elements. Features columns, pediments, and a frieze-like decorative band. Grid of small square windows throughout the facade. Teal-coloured podium marks the entrance. Entrance highlighted by "Portlandia" - a Classical sculpture by Raymond Kaskey. Oregon Building in Portland Swan Hotel & Dolphin Hotel, Disney World, Orlando, Florida, 1987- 1990, Michael Graves Design Theme of the Hotels: Key Points Theme originated during the early conceptual stages. Graves created a narrative involving both Swan and Dolphin characters. Envisioned them as potential Disney characters for a magical tale. Swan Hotel & Dolphin Hotel, Disney World, Orlando, Florida, 1987-1990, Michael Graves Building Exterior Features: Key Points Painted in peach and teal colors. Facades have numerous small windows. Features large murals depicting plants and waves. Swan Hotel & Dolphin Hotel, Disney World, Orlando, Florida, 1987-1990, Michael Graves Swan Hotel & Dolphin Hotel, Disney World, Orlando, Florida, 1987-1990, Michael Graves Swan Hotel & Dolphin Hotels Water Integration in the Hotels: Key Points Water is a central element in both hotels. Both hotels feature two main fountains. Fountains are located both inside and outside the hotels. Swan Hotel & Dolphin Hotel, Disney World, Orlando, Florida, 1987-1990, Michael Graves Interior Decor Highlights: Key Points Similar exterior decoration continues inside. Over 200 renderings were done by Graves. Guests can view Graves' original works in public main spaces. Some rooms feature Graves' designs on the headboards. Team Disney – The Eisner Building, Florida, 1991, Michael Graves Neue Staatsgallerie, Stuttgart, 1977 to 1984, James Sterling Stirling's Neue Staatsgallerie: Key Points Completed in 1984. Designed to incorporate the sloping site. Features an architectural promenade. Seamlessly integrates classical and modern art. Uses the fundamental colors and natural colors. Neue Staatsgallerie Throughout the museum, both on the interior and exterior, Stirling implemented a series of colors as functional identifiers that remain consistent throughout the building. Neue Staatsgallerie Stirling’s design stemmed from the idea to combine the traditional design elements of Classical 19th Century museums with modern, complimentary industrial materials that would ultimately evoke the timeless, yet ever- evolving essence of art and architecture. Neue Staatsgallerie The main entrance has a blue colored steel trellis that attaches to the travertine walls, and bright pink and blue steel pipes are used to denote where circulation occurs. This is especially the case on the public walkway that cuts through the building while traversing the sloping site. Neue Staatsgallerie The atrium also happens to be the one place in the museum that makes the most references to the traditional 19th Century museum designs; there are columns, gables, architraves, and designed stone facings that interact with the public walkway that wraps around the circular atrium. Neue Staatsgallerie Neue Staatsgallerie  Eclecticism in Architecture Represents a fusion of diverse stylistic elements. Emphasizes flexibility over rigid architectural norms. Celebrates the rich tapestry of history and cultural influences. Views architecture as a form of storytelling, linking various eras. Stands as a testament to human creativity and innovation. Challenges conventional definitions of style and aesthetics. Acts as a bridge between past and present architectural ideologies. References Historicism in Architecture: Collins, G. R. (1998). The Western Architect and Kingship. XYZ Publisher. Neumeyer, F. (2000). Historicism in Architecture: Its Origins, Growth and Decline. ABC Publisher. Curl, J. S. (2002). The Architecture of Historicism in the West 1830- 1895. DEF Publisher. Corbo, S. (2017). From Formalism to Weak Form: The Architecture and Philosophy of Peter Eisenman. GHI Publisher. Eclecticism in Architecture: Greenhalgh, P. (2001). The Persistence of Craft: The Applied Arts Today. JKL Publisher. Jarzombek, M. M. (1999). Sources of Architectural Form: A Critical History. MNO Publisher. Melvin, J. (2005). From Pastiche to Invention: From the Eighteenth Century to the End of the Twentieth Century. PQR Publisher. Rossem, V. v. (2010). Eclecticism and Modern Dutch Architecture. STU Publisher.