Scribd
Upload
78 views

History of Architecture: Semester 6

Postmodernism emerged in response to the shortcomings of modernist planning, which failed to consider political and social aspects of how cities function. Postmodernism rejects universal precepts and focuses on individualism. It aims to return to a more human scale. One of the first postmodern architects, Robert Venturi, incorporated historical ornamentation and symbols in controversial ways. Postmodernism gave liberation to architects and the public by allowing architecture to be based on context and culture rather than strict modernist styles. However, postmodernism also faced criticism for its lack of understanding of urban context and emphasis on objects over space.

Uploaded by

Ashish Sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
78 views

History of Architecture: Semester 6

Postmodernism emerged in response to the shortcomings of modernist planning, which failed to consider political and social aspects of how cities function. Postmodernism rejects universal precepts and focuses on individualism. It aims to return to a more human scale. One of the first postmodern architects, Robert Venturi, incorporated historical ornamentation and symbols in controversial ways. Postmodernism gave liberation to architects and the public by allowing architecture to be based on context and culture rather than strict modernist styles. However, postmodernism also faced criticism for its lack of understanding of urban context and emphasis on objects over space.

Uploaded by

Ashish Sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 20

POST MODERNISM IN USA

A REACTION AGAINST MODERNISM


HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE

LECTURE 11
SEMESTER 6
In response to the short-comings of the modernist
paradigm and changes in the organization of society
and economic activity, post-modernism emerged.

INTRODUCTION
To define what post-modernist planning is, it may be
most effective to know what modernist planning was
not. It influences the dynamics of everyday life.

Post modernism effect every area of study. Post


modernism is "post" because it denies the universal
precepts of modernism. It is based on truths,
spirituality, intuition, individualism, and
imagination.
EMERGENCE OF POST-
Modern architects sought to design cities that would
promote industrial efficiency and massive housing.

MODRENISM
Modernist planning and development focused on the
large scale, technologically rational and functionally
efficient “international style” design.

However, the outcomes of modernist planning were not


always desirable. Modernism failed in many aspects.
It had no great political and social theory of how a
city thrives.
Post-modernism aims for a return to the human
scale. Postmodernism described as "neo-eclectic",
where reference and ornament have returned to the
facade, replacing the aggressively unornamented
modern styles.

Post-modern architecture is a counter reaction to the


strict and almost universal modernism of the mid

AIM
twentieth century.

It re introduces elements from historical building


styles, although usually without their high level of
detail.

It ranges from conservative imitations of classical


architecture to flamboyant and playfully outrageous
designs.
IMPACT OF POST MODERNISM
The hope for post-
modernism lies in the sense
of new possibilities
combined with a willingness
to learn from past
architectural achievements.
Its failure lies in its lack of understanding the urban
context, its over-emphasis on objects rather than
the issue between them, design from the inside out
rather than the exterior space to the inside. It could
not answer the general question of architectural

FALIURE
meaning like what was architecture “to be about”.

Post-modernism gave liberation to the people. It


exhilarated much of the architects and the public.
Architecture now could again be based on context,
mood, culture, ornament, or almost whatever
mattered to the architect and the client.
The first shot of post-modernism was fired by Jane
Jacobs in her book “the death and life of American

POST MODERNISM
cities”.

She gave certain philosophies and theories in the last


chapter of her book “the kind of problem a city is”.
She favored complexity, instead of simplicity that
became the paradigm of post-modernism.

After a short period, Robert Venturi wrote a book


“complexity and contradictions in architecture” that
changed the whole scenario and set forward new
revolutionary ideas.
VENTURI’S HOUSE
The first postmodern architect to use the decorative
moulding and traditional symbol in an aggressive
way was Robert venturi. His headquarters building

VENTURI’S HOUSE
for nurses and dentals, 1960, has decoration
mouldings placed as exaggerated eye brows over
lower windows.

Traditional decorative mouldings were also distorted


on the window. This was one of the first building to
incorporate the historical ornamenting a recognizable
and symbolic way. Though it was highly criticized, it
was considered as an insult to international style.
The arch, a
sign of the

VENTURI’S HOUSE
door, is
contrasted
with
rectangular
and
diagonal
elements
to
articulate
the public
entrance.
BRANT HOUSE, 1971
VANNA VENTURI HOUSE, 1961-1964
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, USA
CHARLES WILLIARD MOORE
PIAZZA D’ITALIA
In addition, in
the fanlike
corridors

PIAZZA D’ITALIA
connecting the
circular piazza
with the new
orleans street
grid stand
various classical
and sub-classical
pergolas and
triumphal arches
KRESGE COLLEGE
KRESGE COLLEGE
PORTLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
BUILDING

MICHAEL GRAVES
DOLPHIN AND SWAN HOTELS
DOLPHIN AND SWAN HOTELS
DOLPHIN AND SWAN HOTELS
Swan statues, deep
structures in steel
and plywood.

You might also like