Week 14- Post Modernism/ Deconstruction

Chapter 24

Historical Background

• 1973: Oil Embargo — Arab oil-rich nations cut supply to the West due to Western support for Israel.
• 1975: Global recession — widespread loss of hope and optimism.
• 1980s:
• Economic improvement leads to consumer culture — focus on self-interest (“grab all I can for myself”).
• Rise of Postmodernism — influences architecture, design, fashion, and philosophy.
• Postmodernism:
• Modernism seen as stagnant.
• Revivalist movements pull inspiration from the past.
• Revolt against Modernism’s strict rationality.
• Recycling gains popularity for environmental and DIY reasons.
• Key inventions: fax machines, camcorders, Apple computer, MTV.

 

Memphis Movement

• Eclectic group of designers rejecting Modernism’s strict design rules.
• Founders include:
• Ettore Sottsass, Michele de Lucchi, Michael Graves, George Sowden.
• Formed in Milan, April 1981.
• Inspired by Art Deco and Pop Art.
• Values: Kitsch, irony, and distortion of scale.

 

Postmodern Art

Andy Warhol (1928–1987)

• American visual artist.
• Associated with:
• Pop Art
• Abstract Expressionism
• Modern and Contemporary Art
• Naïve Art

 

Robert Venturi (1925–2018)

Education: Architecture at Princeton University

• Key Books:
• Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)
• Criticized simplicity and logic of Modernism.
• Advocated for complexity and ornamentation.
• Famous quote: “Less is a bore.”
• Learning From Las Vegas (1972)
• Studied Las Vegas architecture.
• Emphasized symbolic ornamentation in urban design.

Characteristics and Style:

• Exploratory design, respecting historical precedent.
• Responsive to modern living’s complexities.

Notable Works:

• Vanna Venturi House, Philadelphia
• Chippendale Chair (1978), manufactured by Knoll
• Blended Chippendale, Queen Anne, Sheraton, and Art Deco styles.

 

The New York Five

• A group of influential postmodern/contemporary architects:
• Peter Eisenman
• Michael Graves
• Charles Gwathmey
• John Hejduk
• Richard Meier

 

Michael Graves (1934–2015)

Education: Harvard University
Style & Philosophy:

• Rich in decorative detail, strong color, eccentric taste.
• Design should be accessible to the masses.
• Famous work: Public Services Building, Portland (1983) — first postmodern building.

Characteristics:

• Humanism at the core.
• Embraced classical architecture and ornamentation.
• Smaller windows defied modern curtain wall.

Materials:

• Natural colors and materials.
• Championed accessible design, influenced by personal disability.

 

Charles Gwathmey (1938–2009)

Education: Yale University
Characteristics:

• Geometrical complexity.
• Blends art with architecture.
• Used materials in their natural forms.

Notable Work:

• Gwathmey House, Amagansett, NY (1965)

 

Richard Meier (1932– )

Education: Cornell University
Influences: Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe

Characteristics:

• Geometric designs.
• Integration of interior and exterior.
• Site-conscious design.

Materials:

• Dominantly white to emphasize light and form.
• Quote: “Whiteness allows architectural ideas to be understood most clearly…”

 

John Hejduk (1929–2000)

Education: Harvard Graduate School of Design
Characteristics:

• Cubist, geometric style.
• Emphasis on grids.
• Explored psychological aspects of design.

Notable Work:

• The Wall House, Netherlands
• Concrete, steel, wood, and stucco.
• Examined public vs private space.

 

Deconstructivism (Late 1980s)

• Fragmentation and reassembly of architectural elements.
• Aim: create surprise and break conventional forms.

 

Peter Eisenman (1932– )

Education: University of Cambridge
Philosophy:

• Architecture doesn’t need to solve human problems.
• Disregards green design.

Characteristics:

• Fragmented, unpredictable exteriors.

 

Frank Gehry (1929– )

Education: University of Southern California
Reputation: Considered the most important architect of this era.
Characteristics:

• Highly experimental approach.

 

Evolution of the Office Environment

• Rise of the personal computer transformed workspaces.
• Need for flexible furniture in corporate offices.
• Working from home became a viable trend.

 

One Step further:

Camille Walala

Camille Vic-Dupont, known professionally as Camille Walala, is a French multi-disciplinary designer based in East London. She is known for her life-size murals and installations and her Memphis Group-inspired patterns.

"Known for her ambitious, large-scale and explosively colourful interventions in public spaces, Camille Walala uses the man-made landscape as a platform for disseminating positivity. Her work encompasses full-facade murals, immersive 3D installations, street art, interiors and set design – characterised by a fusion of bold colours and playful geometric patterns. Since her ‘Dream Come True Building’ burst onto the Shoreditch streetscape in 2015 and thrust her into the spotlight, Camille and her creative producer, Julia Jomaa, have been engaged in an increasingly bold roster of international projects.

These have included collaborations with leading global brands – such as LEGO, for whom she created the HOUSE OF DOTS; the creative direction of the groundbreaking Mauritian hotel SALT of Palmar; and a slew of major installations for events like NYC’s WantedDesign and London Design Festival – including Walala Lounge, as complete suite of semi-permanent street furniture that transformed South Molton Street, Mayfair, into a corridor of colour. Camille finds inspiration in community and collaboration, and the power or colour and pattern to transform atmospheres, elevate moods and spark positivity."

https://www.camillewalala.com/about