10.1 Postmodern historicism

Postmodern historicism emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction against modernist architecture. It reintroduced historical elements and references into building design, rejecting modernist ideals of functionalism and minimalism.

This movement embraced decoration, symbolism, and eclectic combinations of styles. Architects like Robert Venturi and Charles Jencks played key roles, arguing for a more inclusive approach that celebrated diversity and cultural identity in architecture.

Postmodern historicism defined

• Postmodern historicism is a movement in architecture that emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction against the austerity and uniformity of modernist architecture
• It seeks to reintroduce historical elements and references into contemporary building design, often in an eclectic and playful manner
• Postmodern historicism is characterized by a rejection of modernist ideals such as functionalism, minimalism, and the belief in universal design principles

Rejection of modernist ideals

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• Postmodern historicists reject the modernist notion that form should follow function and that ornament is a crime
• They embrace decoration, symbolism, and historical references as a means of communicating meaning and engaging with the past
• Postmodern historicism challenges the modernist idea of a singular, universal style and instead celebrates diversity, complexity, and individual expression

Reintroduction of historical elements

• Postmodern historicist architects incorporate elements from various historical styles, such as classical columns, arches, and pediments, into their designs
• They often combine and juxtapose these elements in unexpected ways, creating a sense of irony and playfulness
• Historical references are used not as a means of literal imitation but as a way of evoking memory, nostalgia, and cultural identity

Eclectic mix of styles

• Postmodern historicism is characterized by an eclectic mix of styles, often within a single building
• Architects freely borrow and combine elements from different historical periods and cultures, such as Greek, Roman, Gothic, and Art Deco
• This eclectic approach reflects the postmodern belief in the value of pluralism and the rejection of a single, dominant style

Origins of postmodern historicism

Reaction against modernism

• Postmodern historicism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a reaction against the perceived shortcomings of modernist architecture
• Many architects and theorists felt that modernism had become sterile, repetitive, and disconnected from human experience and cultural context
• Postmodern historicists sought to reintroduce a sense of history, meaning, and identity into architecture

Robert Venturi's influence

• Robert Venturi, an American architect and theorist, played a key role in the development of postmodern historicism
• In his influential book "Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture" (1966), Venturi argued for a more inclusive and diverse approach to design that embraced history, ornament, and symbolism
• Venturi's own architectural works, such as the Vanna Venturi House (1964) and the Guild House (1960-1963), exemplified the postmodern historicist approach

Charles Jencks' theories

• Charles Jencks, an American architectural theorist and critic, was another important figure in the postmodern historicist movement
• In his book "The Language of Post-Modern Architecture" (1977), Jencks defined postmodernism as a reaction against modernism and a return to historical references and symbolism
• Jencks argued that architecture should communicate meaning through the use of recognizable forms, colors, and patterns drawn from historical and cultural sources

Characteristics of postmodern historicism

Ornamental facades

• Postmodern historicist buildings often feature highly ornamental facades with a mix of historical references and decorative elements
• These facades may include classical columns, arches, pediments, and other traditional architectural features, often used in an exaggerated or ironic manner
• The use of ornament is seen as a way of engaging with the viewer and creating a sense of visual richness and complexity

Classical motifs and references

• Postmodern historicists frequently incorporate classical motifs and references into their designs, such as Greek and Roman orders, symmetrical compositions, and traditional proportions
• These classical elements are often used in a playful or ironic way, sometimes combined with modern materials or forms to create a sense of contrast and juxtaposition
• Examples include the AT&T Building (now Sony Tower) in New York City by Philip Johnson (1984), which features a classical pediment and arch at the top of a modern skyscraper

Playful use of scale

• Postmodern historicist architects often play with scale, using oversized or miniaturized elements to create a sense of surprise and whimsy
• This playful approach to scale is seen as a way of challenging the viewer's expectations and creating a more engaging and memorable experience
• An example is the Piazza d'Italia in New Orleans by Charles Moore (1978), which features a giant classical column that serves as a fountain

Bright colors and bold patterns

• Postmodern historicist buildings often feature bright, bold colors and patterns, in contrast to the neutral tones and minimalist aesthetic of modernist architecture
• These colors and patterns are used to create a sense of visual excitement and to reference historical and cultural sources
• Examples include the Portland Building in Oregon by Michael Graves (1982), which features a colorful, patterned facade with references to classical architecture

Irony and wit in design

• Postmodern historicists often use irony and wit in their designs, creating buildings that are playful, humorous, and self-referential
• This ironic approach is seen as a way of critiquing the seriousness and self-importance of modernist architecture and engaging with the viewer on a more emotional and intellectual level
• An example is the Haas-Haus in Vienna by Hans Hollein (1990), which features a mirrored facade that reflects the surrounding historical buildings in a distorted and fragmented way

Notable architects and works

Michael Graves

• Michael Graves was an American architect and designer known for his postmodern historicist style
• His works often feature colorful, decorative facades with references to classical architecture and pop culture
• Notable projects include the Portland Building in Oregon (1982) and the Humana Building in Louisville, Kentucky (1985)

Philip Johnson

• Philip Johnson was an influential American architect who played a key role in the development of postmodern historicism
• His works often combine modern materials and forms with historical references and ironic gestures
• Notable projects include the AT&T Building (now Sony Tower) in New York City (1984) and the PPG Place in Pittsburgh (1984)

Charles Moore

• Charles Moore was an American architect and educator known for his playful and eclectic approach to postmodern historicism
• His works often feature bold colors, oversized elements, and references to vernacular and historical architecture
• Notable projects include the Piazza d'Italia in New Orleans (1978) and the Beverly Hills Civic Center (1990)

Piazza d'Italia in New Orleans

• The Piazza d'Italia in New Orleans, designed by Charles Moore in 1978, is a public plaza that exemplifies the postmodern historicist style
• The plaza features a series of colorful, oversized classical elements, including columns, arches, and fountains, arranged in a playful and ironic manner
• The design references Italian Renaissance architecture and urban planning, but in a highly abstracted and exaggerated way

Portland Building in Oregon

• The Portland Building in Oregon, designed by Michael Graves in 1982, is a municipal office building that is considered a landmark of postmodern historicism
• The building features a colorful, decorative facade with references to classical architecture, including oversized columns, garlands, and keystones
• The design was controversial at the time for its rejection of modernist principles and its embrace of ornament and historical references

Criticisms of postmodern historicism

Accusations of superficiality

• Some critics argue that postmodern historicism is superficial and lacks depth, as it relies on surface-level references to historical styles without engaging with their underlying meanings or contexts
• They accuse postmodern historicists of using history as a mere decorative element, rather than as a source of genuine insight or inspiration
• Critics also argue that the eclectic mix of styles in postmodern historicist buildings can be confusing and incoherent, lacking a clear sense of purpose or identity

Lack of coherent philosophy

• Critics argue that postmodern historicism lacks a coherent philosophical or theoretical basis, and that its embrace of eclecticism and irony is ultimately empty and meaningless
• They accuse postmodern historicists of being more concerned with style and image than with substance and content
• Some critics also argue that postmodern historicism's rejection of modernist principles is reactionary and regressive, and that it fails to offer a compelling alternative vision for architecture

Disregard for context and function

• Critics argue that postmodern historicist buildings often disregard their surrounding context and the functional needs of their occupants
• They accuse postmodern historicists of prioritizing visual effect over practical considerations such as usability, sustainability, and accessibility
• Some critics also argue that the use of historical references in postmodern historicist buildings can be inappropriate or insensitive, particularly when applied to non-Western or post-colonial contexts

Legacy and impact

Influence on contemporary architecture

• Postmodern historicism has had a significant influence on contemporary architecture, particularly in the use of ornament, color, and historical references
• Many contemporary architects continue to draw on postmodern historicist themes and strategies, often in a more subtle or restrained manner
• Examples include the work of architects such as Robert A.M. Stern, Quinlan Terry, and Léon Krier, who use classical and traditional elements in a more contextual and functional way

Role in postmodernism movement

• Postmodern historicism played a key role in the broader postmodernism movement, which sought to challenge the dominant narratives and values of modernism across various fields, including art, literature, and philosophy
• Postmodern historicism's embrace of eclecticism, irony, and historical reference was seen as a way of subverting modernist notions of progress, universality, and objectivity
• The movement's influence can be seen in other postmodern architectural styles, such as deconstructivism and neo-expressionism, which also sought to challenge modernist orthodoxies

Renewed appreciation for history in design

• Postmodern historicism helped to renew interest in the role of history and tradition in architectural design, after decades of modernist rejection of the past
• The movement's playful and eclectic use of historical references inspired a new generation of architects to engage with the rich heritage of architectural styles and motifs
• Postmodern historicism also contributed to a broader cultural shift towards the appreciation of diversity, pluralism, and individual expression in design and the arts