Postmodern Classicism: Reviving Classical Forms in Contemporary Architecture

by | Aug 16, 2024 | 0 comments

What is Postmodern Classicism?

The Countercultural Turn and Postmodern Historicism emerged in the 1960s as a radical response to the perceived shortcomings of modernist architecture. This movement drew inspiration from the social upheavals and changing cultural values of the era, seeking to create a more eclectic, expressive, and contextually responsive built environment.

Cultural Context:

The rise of Postmodern Historicism coincided with the countercultural movements of the 1960s, which challenged established norms and hierarchies in various aspects of society, including architecture. The movement embraced a more pluralistic and inclusive approach to design, celebrating diversity, individuality, and historical continuity.

Technological Advances:

While Postmodern Historicism often employed traditional building materials and techniques, it also benefited from advances in construction technology that allowed for more complex and expressive forms. The use of new materials such as plastics, fiberglass, and high-strength concrete enabled architects to create more sculptural and unconventional designs.

Political Landscape:

The Countercultural Turn and Postmodern Historicism emerged in the context of the political and social upheavals of the 1960s, including the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and the rise of feminism and environmentalism. The movement’s embrace of diversity, contextuality, and human-centered design reflected the broader push for social and political change.

Key Innovators:

Several influential architects and theorists shaped the Countercultural Turn and Postmodern Historicism, including:

Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown: Authors of the influential book “Learning from Las Vegas,” which celebrated the vernacular and symbolic aspects of architecture.

Charles Moore: American architect known for his eclectic, often whimsical designs that drew from various historical styles and regional traditions.

James Stirling: British architect whose work combined modernist principles with historical references and bold, geometric forms. Paolo

Portoghesi: Italian architect and theorist who promoted the concept of “postmodern classicism” and the revival of ornament and symbolism in architecture.

Related Architectural Styles:

The Countercultural Turn and Postmodern Historicism are closely related to and often overlap with other architectural movements that emerged in the postmodern era, including:

Postmodern Architecture:

A broader term encompassing various styles that rejected modernist principles and embraced eclecticism, ornament, and historical references.

Deconstructivism:

A style that sought to challenge traditional notions of form, structure, and meaning in architecture, often resulting in fragmented, disorienting, or unconventional designs.

Regionalism:

An approach that emphasizes the importance of local context, climate, and cultural traditions in architectural design, often incorporating vernacular elements and materials.

Decline and Legacy:

While the more exuberant and eclectic expressions of Postmodern Historicism began to fall out of favor by the 1990s, the movement’s impact on architectural theory and practice has been significant and lasting. The emphasis on context, diversity, and human experience that characterized the Countercultural Turn continues to influence contemporary architects and planners.

The legacy of Postmodern Historicism can be seen in the ongoing debate about the role of history, identity, and meaning in architecture, as well as in the growing recognition of the importance of community engagement and participatory design processes. As architects continue to grapple with the complex challenges of the 21st century, the lessons of the Countercultural Turn and Postmodern Historicism remain relevant and valuable.

Jungian Depth Psychology Analysis

Through the lens of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, Postmodern Classicism can be interpreted as an expression of several archetypes:

  • The Wise Old Man archetype is reflected in the return to classical wisdom and traditional architectural principles.
  • The Trickster archetype manifests in the playful and sometimes ironic use of historical references.
  • The Great Mother archetype is evident in the movement’s attempt to create nurturing, symbolically rich environments.

The revival of classical forms can be seen as an attempt to reconnect with the collective unconscious, tapping into deeply rooted cultural symbols and spatial archetypes. This reconnection aims to create a sense of continuity and meaning in architecture, addressing the perceived spiritual vacuum of modernist design.

Ego Perspective: Assertions and Insecurities

Postmodern Classicism asserts a belief in the enduring value of classical architectural principles and their relevance to contemporary society. It projects an image of cultural literacy, sophistication, and historical awareness.

However, the movement also reveals certain cultural insecurities. The return to historical styles could be seen as a reaction to anxieties about loss of identity and meaning in modernist architecture. The often eclectic and playful use of classical elements might reflect insecurities about the role of tradition in a rapidly changing world.

Lasting Influence, Critiscisms and Modern Context

Postmodern Classicism has had a significant impact on architectural practice and theory. While pure examples of the style are less common today, its influence can be seen in:

  1. The increased acceptance of historical references in contemporary architecture
  2. A renewed interest in the communicative and symbolic aspects of buildings
  3. Greater attention to local context and vernacular traditions in design
  4. The integration of classical proportions and elements in modern structures

However, the movement has also faced criticism. Some argue that its use of historical styles can be superficial or pastiche. Others contend that it can lead to a conservative, backward-looking approach to architecture.

In the modern context, many architects continue to engage with classical principles, but often in more subtle and integrated ways. The legacy of Postmodern Classicism has contributed to a more pluralistic architectural landscape, where multiple approaches and styles coexist.

As architecture grapples with contemporary challenges such as sustainability, social equity, and rapidly changing technologies, the principles of Postmodern Classicism are being re-evaluated and adapted. The movement’s emphasis on meaning, context, and human-scaled design continues to influence discussions about creating more livable and culturally resonant built environments.

Bibliography and Further Reading:

Frampton, K. (1983). Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance. In H. Foster (Ed.), The Anti-Aesthetic: Essays on Postmodern Culture (pp. 16-30). Seattle: Bay Press.

Jencks, C. (1977). The Language of Post-Modern Architecture. New York: Rizzoli.

Klotz, H. (1988). The History of Postmodern Architecture (R. Donnell, Trans.). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Portoghesi, P. (1983). Postmodern: The Architecture of the Post-Industrial Society. New York: Rizzoli.

Venturi, R., Scott Brown, D., & Izenour, S. (1972). Learning from Las Vegas. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Read about the Psychology of Other Styles of Architecture

The Psychology of Architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright

The Eames

Leon Krier

Andres Duany

Colonial Architecture

Greek Revivial

Gothic Revival

Romantic Architecture

Eclectic Victorian

The Psychology of Architecture

Arts and Crafts Movement

Beaux Arts

City Beautiful

Art Deco

Neo Modernism

Parametricism

New Materialism

Post Digital

Biophillic Design

Reuse in Architecture

Adaptive Architecture

Algorithmic Design

New Urbanism

Post Modern Classicism 

The Corporate Post Modern Office

Oil Crisis Architecture

Post Modern Classicism 

Explore the Other Articles by Categories on Our Blog 

Hardy Micronutrition is clinically proven to IMPROVE FOCUS and reduce the effects of autism, anxiety, ADHD, and depression in adults and children without drugsWatch Interview With HardyVisit GetHardy.com and use offer code TAPROOT for 15% off

In Remembrance of Leon Krier

In Remembrance of Leon Krier

All experience is past by definition. Tradition is transmission of past experience which has become knowledge and know-how. Thus, we can with reason conclude that without tradition, there can be no language, no philosophy, no science, no technique, art, or industry....

The Psychology of Architecture:

The Psychology of Architecture:

Washington D.C.'s Sacred Geometry and the Revolutionary Transformation of Divine Authority  A Capital Born from Enlightenment When Pierre Charles L'Enfant stood upon Jenkins Hill in March 1791, surveying the wilderness that would become America's capital, he carried...

Temenos: How Sacred Geometry Can Transform Modern Urban Planning

A Deep Dive into Will Selman's Revolutionary Book Buy Will's Book Temenos Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern City Design In an era where cities face unprecedented challenges—from climate change to social disconnection—urban planner and author Will Selman presents a...

Indigo: The Color of Insight, Intuition and Inner Vision

Indigo: The Color of Insight, Intuition and Inner Vision

What Does Indigo Mean in a Dream? Indigo, a deep and mysterious hue, often symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and a connection to the unconscious when it appears in dreams. This color bridges the seen and unseen, suggesting an invitation to explore hidden truths, psychic...

The “Lost World” of Miyazaki’s Masterpiece

The “Lost World” of Miyazaki’s Masterpiece

*This review contains spoilers for the film The Boy and the Heron What is The Boy and the Heron trying to tell us? To escape from this depressing situation, they often find themselves wishing they could live in a world of their own - a world they can say is truly...

Alvar Aalto: Organic Modernism and the Humanization of Design

Alvar Aalto: Organic Modernism and the Humanization of Design

Who was Alvar Aalto? Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was a Finnish architect and designer whose work synthesized modernist ideals with a deep reverence for nature and humanism. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Aalto created a vast body of work that included...

Arne Jacobsen: Organic Modernism

Arne Jacobsen: Organic Modernism

Who was Arne Jacobsen? Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971) was a seminal figure in Danish modernist architecture and design. Over a prolific career, Jacobsen created a visionary body of work that fused the clean minimalism of the International Style with a distinctively...

Charles Eames: Pioneering Designer of the Modern Era

Charles Eames: Pioneering Designer of the Modern Era

Who were Charles and Ray Eames? Charles Eames (1907-1978) was a pioneering American designer whose groundbreaking work in furniture, architecture, and film helped define the aesthetic of postwar modernism. In partnership with his wife and creative collaborator Ray...

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: Architect of the Modern Age

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: Architect of the Modern Age

Who was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe? Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969) was a towering figure in the history of modern architecture, whose influence continues to shape the built environment well into the 21st century. Over a career spanning more than half a century,...

Niels O. Möller: Master of Danish Modern Chair Design

Niels O. Möller: Master of Danish Modern Chair Design

Who was Niels Moller? Early Life and Training Niels Otto Möller was born in 1920 in Aarhus, Denmark. The son of a shoe manufacturer, Möller developed an appreciation for craftsmanship and materials from an early age. As a young man, he trained as a cabinetmaker before...

Hans J. Wegner: The Master of Chairs and teh Danish Modern

Hans J. Wegner: The Master of Chairs and teh Danish Modern

Hans J. Wegner: Archetypes of Danish Chair Design Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) was a pioneering Danish furniture designer whose work helped define the aesthetic of mid-century modern design. Over a prolific career spanning nearly seven decades, Wegner crafted a stunning...

Adaptive Reuse: Breathing New Life into Existing Structures

Adaptive Reuse: Breathing New Life into Existing Structures

The Psychology of Adaptive Reuse Adaptive Reuse is an architectural approach that focuses on repurposing existing buildings for new functions while preserving their historical, social, or architectural value. This strategy has gained increasing prominence in the 21st...

Adaptive Architecture: Architecture of the Environment

Adaptive Architecture: Architecture of the Environment

The Psychology of Adaptive Architecture Adaptive Architecture: Architecture of the Environment Adaptive Architecture represents an innovative approach where buildings are designed to adjust and respond to their environment, occupants, and usage patterns. This emerging...

Post-Digital Architecture: Blending the Virtual and Physical Realms

Post-Digital Architecture: Blending the Virtual and Physical Realms

Post-Digital Architecture: Blending the Virtual and Physical Realms Post-Digital Architecture: Bridging the Digital and Physical Realms Post-Digital Architecture emerged in the early 21st century as a response to the pervasive influence of digital technologies on...

Parametricism: The New Digital Paradigm in Architecture

Parametricism: The New Digital Paradigm in Architecture

The Psychology of Parametricism What is Parametricism? Parametricism, a design paradigm that emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, represents a significant shift in architectural thinking and practice. This approach, which relies heavily on algorithmic...

Neo-Modernism: Reviving and Refining Modernist Principles

The Psychology of Neo-Modernism What is Neo-Modernism? Neo-Modernism emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a thoughtful return to and reinterpretation of modernist principles in architecture. This movement seeks to address the criticisms of modernism...

Art Deco Architecture: Embracing Modernity with Style

Art Deco Architecture: Embracing Modernity with Style

The Psychology of Art Deco What is Art Deco? Art Deco, a prominent design movement that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, represented a bold embrace of modernity, technology, and machine aesthetics. This style, characterized by its sleek lines, geometric patterns,...

City Beautiful Movement: Urban Grandeur and Social Reform

City Beautiful Movement: Urban Grandeur and Social Reform

The Psychology of the City Beautiful Movement What was the City Beautiful Movement? The City Beautiful Movement, flourishing from the 1890s to the 1920s, was a transformative urban planning philosophy that swept across North America. This movement sought to introduce...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *