Uncovering the Postmodern Architecture Movement: An Examination of its Characteristics, Influence and Enduring Legacy

Modern and postmodern architecture are distinct styles that emerged during different historical periods. Modern architecture, which appeared in the early 20th century, focuses on functionality, simplicity, and minimalism. Buildings designed in this style often feature clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on using new materials and technology.

Postmodern architecture, on the other hand, emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction to the principles of modern architecture. It is characterised by rejecting the minimalist aesthetic and focusing on using historical references, ornamentation, and playful forms. Buildings designed in this style often feature a mix of different architectural styles, bright colours, and a strong emphasis on symbolism and meaning.

In terms of design, modern architecture emphasises functionality, while postmodern architecture emphasises the creation of meaning and symbolism. Modern architecture is characterised by using new materials and technology, while traditional materials and forms characterise postmodern architecture. Modern architecture is minimalistic and symmetrical, while postmodern architecture is eclectic and asymmetrical. Modern architecture is often seen as an expression of the machine aesthetic, while postmodern architecture is often seen as an expression of the fragmented, eclectic, and often ironic aesthetic.

What is Modernism?

Modernism is a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the rapidly changing world brought about by industrialization and technological advances. It is characterised by a rejection of traditional forms and a focus on experimentation and innovation in art, literature, music, architecture, and other areas of culture. Modernists sought to break away from the conventions and constraints of the past and create new forms of expression that reflected the complexities and contradictions of the modern world. The movement had a significant impact on art, literature, music, architecture, and other forms of cultural expression, and its influence can still be seen in contemporary art and culture.

Modernism in Architecture

Modernism refers to the architectural movement that emerged in the early 20th century and rejected traditional forms and styles in favour of experimentation and innovation. Architects began to use new materials and technologies, such as steel frames and curtain walls, to create buildings with simple geometric shapes and unadorned facades. They also abandoned any use of historical references, creating new forms reflecting the modern world.

The International Style, which emerged after World War I, is a specific form of modernist architecture characterised by its use of simple geometric shapes, unadorned facades, and an absence of historical references. This style is typified by glass skyscrapers and mass housing projects, which used steel frames and curtain walls to create lightweight, efficient, and functional buildings. The International Style was influential in shaping the architecture of the 20th century and continues to influence architectural design today.

Postmodernism and its influence on Architecture

Postmodernism is a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction to Modernism. It is characterised by a rejection of the notion that there is a single, objective reality or truth and a focus on the subjective and the individual. Postmodernists sought to challenge the grand narratives and universalizing tendencies of Modernism. Instead, they emphasised the importance of diverse perspectives, multiple meanings, and the role of the viewer or reader in creating meaning.

In architecture, postmodernism is characterised by a return to traditional materials and forms and sometimes to the use of decoration for the sake of decoration itself, as in the work of Michael Graves and, after the 1970s, that of Philip Johnson. A rejection of the minimalist aesthetic of the International Style and the use of historical references, ornamentation, and playful forms typifies this style.

Charles Jencks is a prominent architectural historian, critic, and theorist who is often associated with developing and promoting Postmodern architecture. He is known for his influential books and essays, including “The Language of Postmodern Architecture” (1977), in which he defined and explained the key features of the postmodern architectural style. He also played a key role in promoting the movement through his writing, lectures, and curatorial work. Jencks is also an architectural designer and has designed several notable postmodern buildings himself. His works often incorporate elements of traditional architecture and design, combined with modern materials and technologies. His ideas and designs have had a significant impact on the development of postmodern architecture and continue to influence architects and designers today.

Characteristics of postmodern architecture

Postmodern architecture is characterised by a desire to make architecture a vehicle of cultural expression. It rejected the idea of adhering to a specific set of rules and encouraged architects to be creative and ornate with their designs. In contrast to the movements that came before it, postmodernism embraced asymmetry and playfulness in design. Humour and camp, an ironic movement of gaudy art that was perceived as beautiful, were used interchangeably throughout the postmodern era. Postmodern architects were known for creating fragmented buildings, which, while still connected as one building, often had distinct, separate parts. Complexity is a crucial feature of postmodern architecture, as architects sought to create visually stimulating and intellectually engaging buildings.

Materials used in postmodern architecture 

Postmodern architecture is characterised by a wide range of materials that are used in its construction. Some of the most common materials used in postmodern architecture include:

Glass: Glass is often used in postmodern architecture as a way to create transparency and a sense of lightness. Glass can be used in the form of curtain walls, skylights, and other types of glazing.

Steel: Steel is prominently used in postmodern architecture as a way to create a sense of strength and stability. Steel can be used in the form of structural members, framing, and other types of support elements.

Concrete: Concrete is used in postmodern architecture as a way to create a sense of mass and weight. Concrete can be used in the form of structural members, foundations, and other types of load-bearing elements.

Brick: Postmodern architecture uses bricks as a way to create a sense of warmth and traditionalism. Brick can be used in the form of load-bearing walls, cladding, and other types of finishes.

Stone: Stone is used in postmodern architecture as a way to create a sense of permanence and durability. Stone can be used in the form of load-bearing walls, cladding, and other types of finishes.

Wood: Wood is utilised in postmodern architecture as a way to create a sense of warmth and naturalness. Wood can be used in the form of structural members, and framing.

Famous postmodern architecture 

1. Wexner Centre for the Performing Arts at Ohio State University

The Wexner Centre for the Performing Arts at Ohio State University, designed by Peter Eisenman, is considered a significant example of postmodern architecture. The building was completed in 1989 and was one of Eisenman’s first major architectural projects. The design of the building is marked by its use of fragmented forms and an emphasis on the play of light and shadow. The building is composed of several separate parts that are connected by a series of bridges and walkways. The complex is a mix of several architectural elements, such as concrete, steel, glass, and brick, which give the building a sense of layering and depth.

One of the main contributions of the Wexner Centre to postmodern architecture is its use of fragmentation and collage. The building is composed of several distinct parts, which are connected by a series of bridges and walkways. This fragmentation creates a sense of movement and dynamism and encourages the viewer to explore and engage with the building. The building’s use of different materials and textures also adds to its complexity, and the play of light and shadow on the building’s surfaces creates a sense of depth and movement.

The building’s use of complex geometry is also a significant contribution to postmodern architecture. The building’s forms are based on geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, and triangles, arranged in a seemingly random pattern. This use of geometry creates a sense of tension and instability and encourages the viewer to engage with the building more intellectually and critically.

2. Neue Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart, Germany

The Neue Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart, Germany, designed by James Stirling, is considered a significant example of postmodern architecture. The building was completed in 1984 and was one of Stirling’s most important architectural projects. The design of the building is marked by its use of historical references, ornamental elements, and playful forms. The building’s forms are based on a mix of historical architectural styles such as classical, baroque, and traditional German architecture and ornamentation and colour add to its complexity.

One of the main contributions of the Neue Staatsgalerie to postmodern architecture is its use of historical references and ornamentation. The building incorporates classical, baroque, and traditional German architecture, creating a sense of continuity with the past. The use of ornamentation, such as the colourful tiles that adorn the building’s façade, adds to its complexity and encourages the viewer to engage with the building more intellectually and critically.

The building’s use of asymmetry is also a significant contribution to postmodern architecture. The building’s forms are arranged in a seemingly random pattern, and the use of different materials and textures, such as the use of coloured tiles, creates a sense of movement and dynamism. This use of asymmetry establishes a sense of tension and instability.

3. Hedmark Museum in Norway, designed by Sverre Fehn. 

The Hedmark Museum in Norway, designed by Sverre Fehn, is considered a significant example of postmodern architecture. The building was completed in 1977 and is one of Fehn’s most important architectural projects. The design of the building is marked by its use of traditional architectural elements, such as wooden cladding, and its integration with the natural surroundings. The building is composed of several separate parts that are connected by a series of bridges and walkways. The complex is made of wood, glass, and stone, which gives the building a sense of layering and depth.

One of the main contributions of the Hedmark Museum to postmodern architecture is its integration with the natural surroundings. The building is designed to blend seamlessly with its environment and is built with traditional materials such as wood, which are used in Norwegian architecture. Using natural materials creates a sense of continuity with the past, and the building’s integration with its environment encourages the viewer to engage with the building more holistically and critically.

The building’s use of fragmentation is also a significant contribution to postmodern architecture. The building is composed of several distinct parts, which are connected by a series of bridges and walkways. This fragmentation creates a sense of movement and dynamism and encourages the viewer to explore and engage with the building. The building’s use of different materials and textures also adds to its complexity, and the play of light and shadow on the building’s surfaces creates a sense of depth and movement.

4. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry, is considered a significant example of postmodern architecture. The building was completed in 1997 and is widely considered to be one of Gehry’s most important architectural projects. The design of the building is marked by its use of curving forms, such as the iconic titanium-clad “flower” that serves as the museum’s main entrance and its integration with the surrounding urban environment. The building also features a complex and dynamic use of different materials, such as titanium, glass, and limestone, which give the building a sense of movement and dynamism.

One of the main contributions of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to postmodern architecture is its use of curving forms and dynamic shapes. The building’s iconic titanium-clad “flower” entrance symbolises the building’s playful and dynamic forms. The building’s use of different materials and textures also adds to its complexity, and the play of light and shadow on the building’s surfaces creates a sense of depth and movement.

The building’s integration with the surrounding urban environment is also a significant contribution to postmodern architecture. The building is designed to blend seamlessly with its environment. It is built with titanium, glass, and limestone, reflecting the water and the city’s industrial heritage. 

5. National City Tower in Louisville, KY, designed by Michael Graves, 

The National City Tower in Louisville, Kentucky, designed by Michael Graves, is considered a significant example of postmodern architecture. The building was completed in 1977 and is one of Graves’ most important architectural projects. The design of the building is marked by its use of historical references, ornamental elements, and colourful facades. The building’s forms are based on a mix of historical architectural styles, such as classical and traditional American architecture, and ornamentation and colour add to its complexity.

One of the main contributions of the National City Tower to postmodern architecture is its use of historical references and ornamentation. The building incorporates classical and traditional American architecture elements, creating a sense of continuity with the past. The use of decoration, such as the colourful tiles that adorn the building’s façade, adds to its complexity.

The building’s use of colour is also a significant contribution to postmodern architecture. The building’s façade is adorned with colourful tiles, which create a sense of movement and dynamism. This use of colour makes a sense of playfulness and encourages the viewer to engage with the building in a more holistic and critical way.

Other notable postmodern buildings include the Groninger Museum in Groningen, Netherlands, designed by Alessandro Mendini, 

the Hotel Dolphin in Disney World, designed by Michael Graves, Piazza D’Italia (1978) by Charles Moore, The Portland Building (1982) by Michael Graves, the Bank of America Center (1984) by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the Thompson Center (1985) by Helmut Jahn, the SIS Building (1994) by James Ingo Freed and the Binoculars Building (2001) by Frank Gehry. These buildings are acclaimed for their avant-garde and postmodern designs, which incorporate elements of traditional architecture, playful ornamentation, and a departure from the minimalism of the International Style.

Challenges when preserving postmodern architecture

Conservation and construction of postmodern architecture pose several challenges, including demolition, deferred maintenance, and alteration/loss of integrity. One of the main challenges faced by museums and other institutions that house postmodern architecture is the need to maintain a constant indoor air temperature of 70°F and humidity levels of 55% to conserve delicate and often priceless artwork. Uncontrolled moisture is the most prevalent cause of deterioration in older and historic buildings, leading to erosion, corrosion, rot, and, ultimately, the destruction of materials, finishes, and structural components.

Another significant problem when preserving modern architecture is determining whether the same materials should be used to maintain the buildings’ provenance, even if they are inferior. This can be a difficult decision, as the use of original materials can help to preserve the authenticity and integrity of the building, but it may not be the most practical or cost-effective solution.Another problem faced in conserving and constructing postmodern architecture is the lack of understanding and appreciation of the style. Many people view postmodern architecture as less significant or important than other styles. As a result, it is often neglected and underfunded. Additionally, postmodern buildings often incorporate a wide range of materials and techniques, making them difficult to restore and preserve.

Conclusion

Modern and postmodern architecture are two distinct architectural styles that emerged during different historical periods.Both movements have had a profound impact on the built environment and continue to influence contemporary architecture. A deep understanding of the characteristics, influences and legacy of both movements is crucial for architects, designers, and anyone interested in the field of architecture.