How Postmodern Architecture is Shaping Our Cities

Aug, 3 2023

Understanding the Basics of Postmodern Architecture

Picture the cityscape of any major metropolis. What do you see? Unless you're imagining a cityscape pulled straight from a 19th-century novel or a Bob Ross canvas, you'll likely be imagining towering structures of glass and steel. Yes, dear readers, that’s Postmodern Architecture for you, exciting, unusual, and as unique as my son Lewis's fascination for bugs. And just like Lewis's bug collection, it seems they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

As a Seattle resident, I've seen firsthand how postmodern architecture has ushered in a new phase of urban development. Think beyond the rigid lines and monotonous color schemes of traditional buildings. The Pomo, as postmodernists love to call it, sprouts delightful chaos amidst order, blending tradition with novelty, and of course, adding a substantive dollop of chutzpah that makes our cities the way they are today. But enough of my rambling, let’s deep dive into this fascinating subject.

The Epochal Transition from Modern to Postmodern

For a long time, the driving force behind architectural design was the modernism movement, focusing on function and simplifying forms. Heck, functionalism was like a hero that modernism worshipped, with its motto being "less is more". I'm all too familiar with this because, let's just say, my husband Anthony is a 'minimalism' aficionado. Too often, I’ve returned home to find another piece of furniture donated to a good cause! But I digress.

The pendulum started to swing in the mid-20th century when some audacious mavericks questioned the idea of reducing architecture to pure function. Architects like Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown lit the torch of the postmodernist movement, declaring grandly, "less is bore." Watching the architect society having beef over two opposing philosophies was no less dramatic than my daughter Seraphina's school play!

Distinctive Features of Postmodern Architecture

Anyway, moving on. Postmodernism preferred complexity and contradiction over simplicity. Architects found a new kind of freedom and began to flirt with bold colors, quirky shapes, and dramatic symbols. It was like watching the '70s disco fashion scene unfold, but in architecture.

But it's not just about being unusual or extravagant. Postmodernism also incorporates local historical references, cultural symbols, and respects urban context in its designs. The idea was to create buildings that would evoke emotion, tell a story, communicate with the environment, and challenge the status quo. In a nutshell, Postmodernism was the rebellious teenager of the architectural family.

Postmodern Architecture in Our Cities Today

Nowadays, postmodernism is an important and influential force that's shaping our cities. From Frank Gehry’s dancing house in Prague to the infamous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, postmodern landmarks stand tall and proud, reshaping not just the skyline but also how we perceive architecture.

Here in Seattle, the best example of PoMo is probably the Seattle Central Library. The angular features, expansive glass facade, and non-conforming layout make it not just a library, but a spectacle! Yet it also fulfills its function of being a community space. Believe me, a trip to the Seattle Central Library for me is more entertaining than a stay-at-home Netflix marathon.

The Future of Postmodern Architecture

As we skirt the edge of this exciting era, every so often I ask myself, where next? If the trends are to be believed, the future of postmodern architecture holds even bolder designs, eco-conscious elements, and a greater emphasis on integrating technology. If you think the buildings today are impressive, brace yourself for a future full of free-form structures, energy-efficient skyscrapers, and self-adjusting intelligent buildings!

The future of postmodern architecture is like what we imagine for our children - bright, innovative, and challenging the norms. I wouldn't be surprised if Lewis or Seraphina, inflamed by their surroundings, decide to join the ranks of tomorrow's architects. Now wouldn't that be amazing for this proud mum?