Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Post Modern Architecture
Post Modern Architecture
2:
Post Modernists have often been accused of adopting a superficial approach to
design where drama is created through exaggeration of building elements.
Present with examples of works (buildings and writing) the approach and
contribution of the leading Post Modernists in this context.
SUBMITTED BY:
Ankit Kumar Pal
M. Arch, 1st semester,
DCRUST, Murthal
Postmodernism is a movement which started in late 20th century and influenced art,
literature, cinema, fashion, performing arts and architecture worldwide. The
movement ideologically challenged so called rational ideas and principles presented
by modernists. In general it is the era followed by modernism as the term
‘postmodern’ indicates something after modernism.
Socially and culturally postmodern ideas became very popular and are celebrated till
date. Postmodern ideas became highly popular in arts, photography and cinema as
well as architecture. In short postmodern celebrates everything which has been
ignored in modernism for example, postmodern films glorifies antihero and
preferred a flawed, not so idealistic character as a lead in place of a stereotypical
idealistic hero. Not only cinema, postmodern photography also highlights the
background.
Culturally speaking postmodernism was an outcome of globalization, consumerism
and commodification of knowledge. It is an era where not only product but
promotions and advertisements became more influential and approach shifted to
attract and influence consumers. Basically it suggests the consumer driven approach
in contrary to modern mass production driven approach.
Picture 1: One Subject and a clear Picture 2: One Subject and many
meaning, which is common hidden meanings, avoiding any
characteristics in modern. specific meaning,
“Less is bore”
The roots of postmodern ideals in art are instilled in late modern Avant guards which
were active during 1940-50s especially pop art and neo DADA which mark the
beginning of the reaction against the mindset of modern artists and architects who
were driven by radical and forward thinking approach.
"Modernist art" was seen not only as elitist but also as white, male-dominated and
uninterested in minorities. Which is why postmodernism champions art by Third
World, Feminist and Minority artists.
In architecture, postmodernists declared the preceding styles like brutalism,
international style as dull, boring and irresponsive to human senses. Postmodernists
are completely against the ideas presented by Le-Corbusier, one of the most
celebrated architects of modern era, like generalizing the human behavior patterns,
limited human needs and other characteristics defined for so called a ‘modern
progressive man’. Consequently there was a return of drama, wit, colors and
historical references in architecture.
Modern architecture, for example in Farnsworth house by Mies van der Rohe, the
architect ignored the personal choices of client and the client was suggested to live
and function according to the space. In short living habits of clients were governed
by house, the Product, means the product become primary while postmodern ideas
are consumer/user driven. The users’ personal liking, choices activities and functions
are considered, hence postmodern architecture is consumer driven and contextual.
Postmodern
Literal as well as abstract references are clearly apparent.
Conscious imitation of Historical
style in abstract form to create
interest and drama. Sometimes it
Top imitates - seems that scale and proportions
Pediment of classical style have been
ignored.
Columns/Orders
Base/ Stylobate
While Modern Architecture completely opposes the idea any historical
reference and urges to create a very new progressive architecture.
Postmodern Vs Modern
Historical references in
abstract form.
Conscious Demarcation
level of roofs and base
Top looks to be inspired
from pediment but it
has been cut at centre.
Entrance of the building
is semicircular arch and
monumental.
Auditorio de Tenerife in
Santa Cruz de Tenerife by
Santiago Calatrava.
Completed 2003
AT & T
building by
Philip Johnson
CRITICS OF POSTMODERNISM
Postmodern architecture is often criticized for being superficial in approach
as it seems that postmodern architects could not disassociate it completely
from modern ideas as they claim.
Most of the postmodern buildings seems to serve modern ideas but with some
seemingly random aesthetic treatments.
Humana Building