Architecture > History of Architecture > Postmodern Architecture

Postmodern architecture is an architectural style that emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction against the strict principles of modernism. Whereas modernism emphasized simplicity, uniformity, and the absence of ornamentation, postmodernism brought a renewed interest in historical styles, playful forms, and the use of ornamentation, creating buildings that often engage with cultural and contextual diversity.

This architectural style developed prominently during the 1970s and 1980s, influenced by the criticism that modernist architecture lacked a sense of place, tradition, and human scale. Postmodern architecture seeks to address these critiques by embracing complexity, contradiction, and historical reference. It often incorporates eclectic elements, diverse aesthetic motifs, and a mix of different materials and forms.

One of the hallmark traits of postmodern architecture is its juxtaposition of past and present styles. Architects may combine classical elements such as columns and pediments with modern materials like glass and steel. This fusion creates visually stimulating and contextually rich buildings that challenge the homogeneity of modernist design.

Key figures in the development of postmodern architecture include Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, and Michael Graves. Venturi’s famous declaration “Less is a bore,” in contrast to Mies van der Rohe’s modernist dictum “Less is more,” encapsulates the postmodern ethos. Venturi and Scott Brown’s work, such as the Vanna Venturi House, exemplifies postmodern principles with its embellished, symbolic, and somewhat ironic use of classical architectural elements.

In postmodern architecture, there is often a conscious attempt to engage with the urban context and cultural landscape. This approach leads to buildings that are uniquely suited to their environments and expressive of local identities. A notable example is the Piazza d’Italia in New Orleans, designed by Charles Moore, which celebrates Italian heritage through exaggerated and colorful classical references.

Mathematically, postmodern architecture does not adhere to the pure, linear equations that often describe modernist forms. Instead, the shapes and proportions could be described using complex geometries or fractal patterns. The deviation from rigid, deterministic forms in favor of more organic, symbolic, and contextually responsive shapes is a hallmark of postmodern architecture.

In summary, postmodern architecture marks a significant departure from the austerity and uniformity of modernism. By reintroducing ornamentation, embracing eclecticism, and engaging with historical and cultural elements, it offers a vibrant and contextually rich approach to building design. The resulting structures are often playful and diverse, reflecting the complexity of contemporary society and its myriad influences.