Postmodern architecture emerged in the late 1960s as a reaction against modernism. Modernist architecture faced criticism for its rigidity and lack of cultural context. Postmodernism incorporated historical references and symbolic elements playfully. It tended to combine multiple styles rather than follow a single source. Leading postmodern architects included Philip Johnson, Charles Moore, and Robert Venturi. They rejected modernism's austerity and embraced ornamentation.

1. Postmodern architecture
Postmodern architecture, also known as postmodernism(or ‘pomo’), is an architectural style
that emerged in the late-1960s as a reaction against modernism.
Modernistarchitecture hadfacedincreasingcriticismforitsrigiddoctrines,uniformityandperceived
lack of local and cultural context.There were alsothose whoderidedthe modernismof Le Corbusier
and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for being too bleak, formal and austere.
The failure of building methods and materials, such as the collapse of Ronan Point in 1968, and the
gradual deterioration of once-‘utopian’ housing estates, also contributed to the backlash against
modernism.
In 1966, the architect and theorist Robert Venturi published ‘Complexity and Contradiction in
Architecture’ the catalyst for the postmodern movement. Venturi argued that the ancient cities of
Rome spoke in historical layers and vividjuxtapositions rather than one homogenous voice. He also
claimedthatbuildings,aswell asbeingdesignedobjects,were featsof placemakingandshouldseek
toaccommodate local conditions of neighbourhoodand publicbehaviour;asindividualand richasthe
building occupants themselves.
In practice,postmodernarchitecture movedawayfromthe rigidformalitiesof modernismandbegan
to incorporate stylistic references that were often playful and symbolic, using techniques such as
shape, colourandtrompe l’oeil;applyingelementsandstructural formsfromclassical architectureto
modern designs.
Postmodern architecture tends to be characterised by its highly decorative, whimsical and kitsch
aesethetic; above all refusing to draw inspiration solely from a single source, and oftenfocussing on
formoverfunction.Italsohasa metaphoricnature.Thisrefersto structural designs thatare basedon
forms which are non-architectural. A well-known example is the Lotus temple of New Delhi which is
based on the shape of a lotus flower; and the Sydney Opera House which is inspired by the sails of
ships.
Architectssoughttoincorporate design elementsfrommultiplestyles,breakingdownthe boundaries
between them. Accordingly, postmodernism is often praised for its eclectic and joyful style.

2. However, it has also faced its fair share of criticism, with many deriding it as ugly, superficial,
derivative,and,inthe wordsof FredricJameson,‘thecultural logicof latecapitalism’.Indeed,the huge
urban expansion of Dubai has led to it being referred to as the ‘global capital of postmodernism’.
Postmodernism flourished during the 1980s and 1990s, sub-dividing into other styles such as high-
tech, deconstructivism, and neo-classicism. Leading architects of the movement included; Philip
Johnson, Charles Moore, Frank Gehry, Michael Graves, Terry Farrell and James Stirling.
Zaha Mohammad hadid
Was a Iraqi architect,artist,designer,recognizedasa majorfigure inarchitecture of the late 20th
and
early21st
centuries.BorninBaghdad,Iraq,hadid studiedmathematicsasanundergraduate andthen
enrolled at the architectural association school of architecture in 1972.
Design philosophy
Hadid stated that her architectural designs were not intended as a personal stamp on the world, or
act of self – indulgence. Rather, addressing 21st
– century challenges and opportunities is the
cornerstone to zaha hadids styl and creation.
Heydar Aliyev center
Design concept
Its principle shapeswithinthe detachable wingsof sitingitslike waterinmotion,creatingspacesand
surrounding environment that reflect the riverside landscapes of the Olympic park.
Its roof sweeps up from the ground as wave enclosing the space with in the structure.

3. 3D
SECTION
ELIVATION

4. PHILIP JOHONSON
Was an American architect best known for his works of modern and post modern and post modern
architecture. Born in us in July 8, 1906.
Philosophy
All architecture isshelter,all greatarchitecture isthe designof space thatcontains,cuddles,exalt,or
stimulates the persons in that space.
Seargram building us
Concept
Symbol of contemporaryindustrialworld,illustratesthe architectsmotto“lessismore “showingthat
a simple building can be just as surprising that a building with more composite designs.
The seagram buildingisa refinedsynthesisof rationalistarchitecture inwhichmieshad formed,the
internationalstylethatwasbeginningtodawnonarchitecturesince1950and the contributionsof the
Chicago school.
3D

5. SECTION
ELEVATION
MODERN
AND PHOSTMODERN ARCHITECTURE

6. Modern architecture – focuses on creating a relationship between the material and structure be
relating and adopting them to their present technological era.
Postmodern architecture – architecture emphasizes the vitality of historical elements in design.
POST MODERN ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTS AND THER WORK
Michael graves
Was American postmodernist architect, designer, and educator. Michael graves work is among the
architecture icons that define postmodernism from the 20th
century. Born – July 9, 1934 in Indiana.
Philosophy
He eschewedthe austerityof modernismanditsbeliefthat“lessismore,”insteadembracinghistory
and references to the past. He rejected the nation that decoration, or ornament, was a “crime”.
The Portland building
The Portland building, alternatively referenced as the Portland municipal services building,is a 15 –
storymunicipal office buildinglocatedat1120 SW 5th
avenue indowntownPortland,Oregon.Itopend
in 1982 and was considered architecturally groundbreaking at the time.
3D

7. Plan
Section
Elevation

8. Robert venturi
Was anamericanarchitectfoundingprincipleof the firmventuri,scottbrownandassociates,andone
of the major architectural figures of the twentieth century.
Philosophy
Robert venturi asserted that the modernists had, in their revolutionary zeal, simplified and clarified
architecture to the point of separating it "from the exprience of life and the needs of society" .
Vanna venturi house
A manifesto for post modern architecture, the vanna venturi house is a composition of rectangular
curvilinear, and diagonal elements coning together and contradiction.
3D
Plan

9. Section
Elevation