Post Modernism

A notable designer from this time period was Robert Venturi. He wrote Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. He believed that simplicity and logic as a cornerstone to modern design was a limitation and that it would lead to boredom and dullness. He's famous quote is, “Less is a bore.”He believed that greatness in modern design comes from Complexity and Contradiction and he embraced decorative ornament and historical design concepts. His works include the Vanna Venturi House and the Chippendale Chair. Another notable designer was Michael Graves, one of the New York Five. He moved away from group and developed more Post-Modern designs and embraced more decorative detail and strong color and forms. he had eccentric tastes and thought design should be available for the masses. He designed the Public Services Building, Portland, Oregon which was the first post modern building. Charles Gwathmey was another member of the New York Five. He was an Architect and Educator he designed the Gwathmey Residence and Studio. Richard Meier is one of the only members of the New York Five still alive today. He is an Artist and Architect. He uses geometric designs and the color white. He designed the Getty Center and the Douglas House. Peter Eisenman is the other member of the New York Five to be alive today. He is an Architect and a Deconstructivist. He designed the Aronoff Center for Design and Art and the Museum of Galicia in Spain. Frank Gehry is a Canadian/American architect who designed the Guggenheim Museum in Spain as well as the High Sticking Chair and the Wiggle Chair. Rem Koolhaas is a designed who bridges post-modernism, hi-tech and deconstructivist concepts. He designed the Maison Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France. I.M. Pei is the man who designed the National Gallery of Art and the Pyramid Louvre Museum.

Past:

Present:

Extra Credit:
John Hejduk, the only member of the New York Five we didn't talk about in class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z91hfQ-D6oI

Footage of John Hejduk’s ‘The Collapse of Time’ - a construction made to accompany the exhibition of Hejduk’s project VICTIMS, shown at the AA in 1986.  ‘The Collapse of Time’ is the final element in a series of 68 structures. Each element is individually named and dedicated to the Victims who suffered in the Gestapo torture chambers in Berlin during World War II. The full project was presented to the city and citizens of Berlin. The tower, which represents time, was lowered twice by 45° at noon on Fridays 10th and 24th October 1986 until it was completely horizontal, signifying the total collapse of time. The design of ‘The Collapse of Time’ was undertaken by AA staff and students. The structural consultant for the project was Frank Newby.

Peer Review:
Holli: I liked how she chose a few designers to focus on and her pictures were great
Angie: I liked how she summarized the period well and he pictures were also lovely