Postmodern architecture

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Architecture that emerged in the late 20th century and is characterized by a rejection of the austere functionalism of modernism and a return to Classical and other traditional forms, often in a playful, ironic manner.

Historical Context: Understanding the cultural, social, economic, and political background of Postmodernism is crucial to fully comprehend the style's meaning and significance in architecture.
Rejection of Modernism: Postmodernism emerged as a reaction to the strict functionalism and minimalism of Modernist architecture. It sought to reintroduce ornamentation, historical references, and symbolism into buildings.
Deconstructivism: An extension of Postmodernism, Deconstructivist architecture sought to subvert traditional forms, create complex geometries, and challenge conventional ideas about space and structure.
Revivalism: Revivalist Postmodern architects drew inspiration from historical architectural styles, often mixing and matching different periods and creating eclectic combinations.
Irony and humor: Many Postmodern buildings incorporate a sense of playfulness, irony, and humor into their design, often through unexpected juxtapositions and pop culture references.
Contextualism: Contextualist Postmodern architecture responds to and reflects the surrounding environment and site-specific conditions, emphasizing the importance of place and context.
Pastiche: Pastiche refers to the use of elements from different styles and periods in a single design, creating a collage-like effect that reflects the diversity of contemporary culture.
Formalism vs. Functionalism: Postmodernism often challenged the rigid dichotomy between form and function, valuing both equally and experimenting with new ways of integrating them.
Sustainability: Postmodern architects often incorporated sustainable design principles and materials into their buildings, recognizing the importance of environmental responsibility.
Technology: Postmodern architecture embraced emerging digital technologies, experimenting with new materials, fabrication techniques, and digital design tools.
Deconstructionism: Characterized by fragmented, irregular forms and forms, and the dominance of theoretical concepts over functional considerations. Key architects include Peter Eisenman, Bernard Tschumi, and Frank Gehry.
Late Modernism or High Tech: Characterized by the use of modern materials (such as glass, steel, and concrete) and a focus on technologically advanced building techniques. Key architects include Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano, and Norman Foster.
Neo-Eclectic or New Traditionalism: Characterized by the reinterpretation of traditional architectural styles and motifs in a contemporary context, often featuring an eclectic blend of historical architecture. Key architects include Robert A.M. Stern, Michael Graves, and Charles Moore.
Post-Modern Classicism: Characterized by the use of classical architectural elements and forms reinterpreted in new ways, often with a sense of irony or irreverence. Key architects include Philip Johnson, Michael Graves, and Robert Venturi.
Regionalism: Characterized by the use of local materials, techniques, and forms, often reflecting vernacular or folk architecture in a contemporary context. Key architects include Antoine Predock, Samuel Mockbee, and Rick Joy.
Critical Regionalism: Characterized by the fusion of universal principles of modernism with local vernacular and cultural traditions. Key architects include Kenneth Frampton, Juhani Pallasmaa, and Balkrishna Doshi.
Creative Eclecticism: Characterized by the integration of various architectural styles and motifs into a cohesive whole, often showcasing the architect's unique artistic vision. Key architects include Lawrence Halprin, Frank Gehry, and Zaha Hadid.
"The movement was introduced by the architect and urban planner Denise Scott Brown and architectural theorist Robert Venturi in their 1972 book Learning from Las Vegas."
"Postmodern architecture is a style or movement which emerged in the late 1950s..."
"...as a reaction against the austerity, formality, and lack of variety of modern architecture, particularly in the international style advocated by Philip Johnson and Henry-Russell Hitchcock."
"The style flourished from the 1980s through the 1990s, particularly in the work of Scott Brown & Venturi, Philip Johnson, Charles Moore, and Michael Graves."
"The movement was introduced by the architect and urban planner Denise Scott Brown and architectural theorist Robert Venturi in their 1972 book Learning from Las Vegas."
"...a reaction against the austerity, formality, and lack of variety of modern architecture..."
"In the late 1990s, it divided into a multitude of new tendencies, including high-tech architecture, neo-futurism, new classical architecture, and deconstructivism."
"However, some buildings built after this period are still considered postmodern."
"...the international style advocated by Philip Johnson and Henry-Russell Hitchcock."
"The style flourished from the 1980s through the 1990s..."
"...particularly in the work of Scott Brown & Venturi, Philip Johnson, Charles Moore, and Michael Graves."
"The style flourished from the 1980s through the 1990s..."
"...in their 1972 book Learning from Las Vegas."
"...a reaction against the austerity, formality, and lack of variety of modern architecture..."
"The movement was introduced by the architect and urban planner Denise Scott Brown and architectural theorist Robert Venturi..."
"The style flourished from the 1980s through the 1990s, particularly in the work of Scott Brown & Venturi, Philip Johnson, Charles Moore, and Michael Graves."
"...including high-tech architecture..."
"...it divided into a multitude of new tendencies, including high-tech architecture, neo-futurism, new classical architecture, and deconstructivism."
"...as a reaction against the austerity, formality, and lack of variety of modern architecture..."
"However, some buildings built after this period are still considered postmodern."