Compare and contrast Modern and Postmodern architecture

Critically compare and contrast the history, philosophy and characteristics of modern and postmodern architecture in the mid 20th century.

Architecture is the designing and constructing process of buildings to provide an appropriate shelter for human beings (Wikipedia 2009, para. 2). There is no doubt that each age has its own architectural movement which reflects social and cultural needs in urban societies. Around the mid 20th century there were modern and postmodern architecture, two different movements which are still active to the present day. This essay will be about the main differences and similarities between modern and postmodern architecture in terms of definition, history between the 1930s and the 1980s, philosophy and character of design concept, space, form and function, materials and facade.

Modernism and postmodernism in architecture are interpreted as two unlike movements. Modernism is the innovative design of buildings that are made in the modern age as a step to move away from classical architecture and using the new technology that was invented after the industrial revolution in the late 18th century (Colquhoun 2002, p. 9). Postmodern, also called late modernism, is another style of architecture which was invented as opposed to the last prevailing style in modern architecture, which was International style, by using classical and modern language together. In postmodernism, architects are free in using any architectural style and element in their designs (Washington State University [WSU] 2009, para. 1; Moffet et al. 2003, p. 543).


Both movements started at a different time and age. Most architectural critics agree that modern architecture originated in Europe and USA in the late 19th century and extends towards the end of 1960s (Ghirardo 2009, cited in Encarta 2009, p. 1), whilst postmodernism was first developed in the late 1960s, developed its principles in the 1970s and lost its dominance in 1980s (Wiseman 1990, p. 176; Avery 2003, p. 33). However, as mentioned earlier, due to the free nature of postmodernism, the architects still use certain elements from the modern architecture era.

The philosophy of both modernism and postmodernism is still being debated (Colquhoun 2002, p. 9). After the First World War many modernist architects believed that their new modernist ideologies in architecture should come and change the society (Moffet et al. 2003, p. 475). They argued that architecture should provide the needs of society and all humans should be equal, which is why they ignored the social and cultural structures of the society and also its religious faith, because they thought modernism was a suite of new beliefs that people needed to follow (Teige 2002, cited in Heynen 2004, p. 3). For instance, the idea of creating the International style in modernism was to design prototypes and mass production so that all buildings would have a similar appearance in a certain way. This had a negative side to it, which was repetition in design (Moffet et al. 2003, p. 518).
According to many critics, postmodernism is “neo-eclectic” (Bertens 1995, p. 5), where reference and ornament returned to architecture. In the mid 1980s this idea of “neo-eclecticism” changed to deconstructionism which was established by French philosopher Jacques Derrida. He claimed that the foundation of shapes should be unstable and complex. For many architects this philosophy is not acceptable, because deconstructionism is based on unbalanced ideas (Fig. 1). Similarly, both modernism and postmodernism deviated from the social order (Bertens 1995, p. 5).
There are many differences between modernism and postmodernism in terms of design concepts. It is a fact that the ways of thinking in both movements have an opposite direction. For example, the German architect Mies van de Rohe stated that “Less is more” (Douglas 2008, pp. 55-63). This quotation means that the concept of design should be based on simplicity; Mies in his Barcelona Pavilion (Fig. 2) used pure design elements, right angles, unambiguous meaning and the use of an open floor plan idea, simple lines, pure and cubic shapes (Rulli 2007, p. 2). In general, any part of any of his design has functionality and rationality rather than a form based on aesthetics. He also rejected any kinds of decoration. So design concepts in modernism are exclusive to each design (Avery 2003, p. 33; Douglas 2008, pp. 55-63).
In contrast, American architect Robert Venturi, one of the founders of postmodernism had his own idea, “Less is a bore” (University of Uppsala [UU] 2004, para. 1; Douglas 2008, pp. 55-63), which means postmodern buildings should break the simplicity of modernism. Postmodernism also needs to have aspects like hybrid or mixture, irony, surprise, contradictions, often non-orthogonal angles and historical elements, which replaced the purity and clarity of modernism. For instance, Venturi designed a house for his mother (Fig 3, 4), which includes traditional, symbol and contrast elements, and connection between simplicity of external form with complication of interior plan. For example, the fire place is next to the stairs-like vertical elements and the gable end and shingle style roof appeared especially in the front elevation. This means design concepts in postmodernism are inclusive and general (Moffet et al. 2003, pp. 542-543; Avery 2003, p. 33).


Another aspect is that the idea of architectural space is used in a dissimilar way among architects. For example, Mies van der Rohe in the Barcelona pavilion (Fig. 2.1) used space in a manner and technique that created a unique feeling that had the objects and rooms flexible through free-flowing space, the very idea that the American modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated in the iconic Falling Water House. Both architects were successful in using spaces (Rulli 2007, p. 2). On the contrary, not all modern architects follow Mies’s and Wright’s style.

Indeed, modernism ignored the sacred space of European and American cities, because it divides space on the basis of functional thinking. Postmodern architecture in some cases reverses modernist moves in terms of unity, transparency and integrity. It tried to provide different kinds of historical and social space in a free manner. In spite of that, the use of space in postmodernism is rich, more plural and in a dialectical style, though some critics reported that late modernism lacks vision and honesty (Smethurst 2000, pp. 47-52). The use of architectural space depends on architects` thinking and their own style.


The understanding of form and function in these two movements to some extent are different. Most modernists focused on function rather than form and they used simple form. In fact, an American modernist architect Louis Sullivan has a famous statement that “Form follows Function” (Moffet et al. 2003, p. 469). The dictum explains that many modern architects, especially in the International style, first started to think about function rather than form during the designing process and they preferred simple form like a box, where one form can serve multiple functions. For example, the lake shore drive apartment and the Seagram building (Fig. 5) followed the same scheme which consists of two glass boxes. On the other hand, Frank Lloyd Wright disagreed with that principle by saying both function and form are of equal value. In fact, Wright moved towards function and form similar to postmodernism. This idea is clear in the Falling Water House (Fig. 6), where equal amounts of attention and thought have been given to both the form and the function, the arranging of horizontal and vertical planes like cantilevers to achieve the unique form (Moffet et al.2003, p. 524). Significantly, modernism is functionality rather than formality.


Nevertheless, in late modern architecture both function and form have their own value (Avery 2003, p. 33). Charles Jencks, an American architectural theorist, described postmodernism as “double coding” architecture (Moffet et al. 2003, p. 544), which is the language for both modernism and classicism. In postmodernism, form is an integration of both conventional elements and modernism with new ideas, while the function still has its own importance as the form. In the AT&T Headquarters (Fig. 7), viewers can see a traditional form at the top of the building and modern shapes in the bottom and middle of the building. Also it is functioning well (Moffet et al. 2003, p. 545). Yet, not all postmodern style buildings have adequate function, for instance, the Portland building (Fig. 4) is often criticised that it is not working well because there are structural defects like cracks and gloomy spaces inside the building. In general, in postmodernism, form is adopted for its own sake and function has a strong combination with artistic form.


The new construction materials such as steel, reinforced concrete and development of technology have mainly affected the façades and structures of modern and postmodern architecture. Both movements are similar in using these materials yet are different in their facades. In the design of the Seagram building, which is an office building, Mies for the first time in the USA used glass and steel frame skyscraper. He preferred that the steel structures in a building should be visible from outdoors. However, this is not acceptable according to American building codes because steel is flammable. Therefore he decided to use non-structural glass walls (curtain walls) for the facades including I- sections of bronze beams and columns. He also used window blinds to give the building an attractive appearance when windows open or close (Fig. 5) (Frampton 1985, p. 237; Moffet et al. 2003, p. 522).All elevations of the building are covered by steel and glass.


Postmodernism elevations contain ornamental and classical elements like the Portland building, which is recognized as an icon of postmodern architecture. It has a rendered elevation with its fluted pilasters of indefinite order and tiered stylobate. The building also has green colour in the bottom part and mud-coloured columns. In particular, the façade of the Portland building (Fig. 4) is the huge key stone of a flat arch, having tan flanking walls and square windows (Moffet et al. 2003, p. 547; Galinsky 1992, p. 4). Architecturally, postmodern elevations have more aesthetic appearance than modernism because observers can find historical elements and a mixture of materials.


In conclusion, although the modernism phenomenon began over 100 years ago to spread new ideologies in terms of space, new design, functionality and façade, it could not provide the aesthetics for viewers because of repetitive design features, which led to it being dismissed by most people. As a result, postmodernism replaced it because each movement in architecture brings new ideas and covers the flaws of the former movements.
Word count: 1840 words



References

Avery, D 2003, Modern Architecture, Chaucer Press, London.
Bertens, JW 1995, The Idea of the Postmodern: a history, viewed 30 May 2009, http://books.google.com.au/books?id=3FEiEqi060MC&printsec=frontcover#PPA5,M1
Colquhoun, A 2002, Modern Architecture, Oxford University Press, U.K.
Douglas, K 2008, Robert Venturi and His Contributions to Postmodern Architecture, viewed 25 May 2009, http://minds.wisconsin.edu/handle/1793/28244
Frampton, K 1985, modern architecture: a critical history, Thames and Hudson Ltd, London.
Galinsky, K 1992, CLASSICAL AND MODERN INTERACTIONS: Postmodern Architecture, Multiculturalism, Decline, and Other Issues, viewed 25 May 2009, http://books.google.com.au/books?id=AmXJxetTPxwC&printsec=frontcover#PPA8,M1
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Smethurst, P 2000, The Postmodern Chronotope: Reading Space and Time in Contemporary Fiction, viewed 30 May 2009, http://books.google.com.au/books?id=7LpmsIIRnDIC&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=space+in+postmodern+architecture&source=bl&ots=MJB_z3cLwI&sig=dUBWNRCImBGvMEnKg8_cOU7wIS8&hl=en&ei=cfEPSuSBBKXk6gPF8ZjwDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#PPA313,M1

University of Uppsala [UU] 2004, Robert Venturi, Aldo Rossi and post-modern architecture: Grove Art Online: Postmodernism in Architecture, viewed 30 May 2009, http://www.idehist.uu.se/distans/ilmh/pm/pm-venturi-rossi.htm
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The reflection on group solving problems

The group solving problem is one of the EAP speaking task, which helps EAP students to work together in terms of the survey, collecting data, doing spread sheet and power point. This kind of task was helpful for students because they are going to do it at university. Due to this, students learned how to use spread sheet and power point. However, in my opinion, I was facing some difficulties during preparation for the presentation, because some students did not have enough experience with using power point and spread sheet. In addition, some students were working hard and the others were not and this is one of the disadvantages of group solving problems.

As the suggestion, it would be better if students have their own separate task and they should be responsible for it. Overall, this assessment was helpful because it made the students to get together and learn from each other.

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Journal 7

The end of 1st term is next week on Thursday 09.04.2009.During week 7 and week 8 EAP students presented the first draft of their assignment .Similarly, I submitted the assignment on 02.04.2009 and I will be submitting the final draft in the first week of 2nd term, which means after the holidays. Regarding the next assignment students are free to choose whatever topic they like among many interesting topics available. Iam planning to choose a topic close to my profession (Architecture), because it may be useful and helpful for my near future.

In writing class students learned about what is paraphrasing and how to write a good paraphrase. Then they did practice which were very supportive for their reports or essays. The next one was spoken presentation, about seven students have already presented their seminar on different topics by using visual aids and OHT.

In the reading class students have done some practice on IELTS reading questions. In listening class they listened to conversations and they discussed with the teacher the listening assessment which will be done next week. In computing class the teacher taught students some basic knowledge on Microsoft word and Power point. Finally this is the last Journal that I am writing. Now I feel more confident because due to this, my writing skills have improved and are much better than before.

Journal 6

Last week, EAP students were busy, as they have to present the first draft of their assignment next week. Also each student was required to present the seminar on a specific topic during the following weeks which relates to herbal medicine. In the writing class students discussed and did an exercise on how to reference texts and paragraphs. In my opinion it was quite useful as it was one of the requirements of the first draft.

After that students have finalized the topic for the spoken presentation and its date. My presentation will be about Kinesiology, I find it’s an interesting subject, in a way it relates to my profession (Architecture) in terms of the human body, proportion, scale and movement in space, which was mentioned by the well known Roman architect Vitruvius Pollio.

In reading class students also did training to summarize and criticize passages .The next class was listening. They listened to lectures and they have done some practice to improve their skills. Last Friday they have put useful information, journal writing and websites in their Blog, which they designed last week.

Journal 5

It is clear that the key to success is learning and studying. Last week students in writing class have learnt some kinds of referencing and solving problems which can be useful for doing their assignment on herbal medicine.

Also students and the teacher discussed the parts and items of their report. In addition, the process of doing assignment for me is a bit difficult, because I have never done it before but I think it is not very easy. However, when I was at university doing architectural engineering in my country I did a lot of surveying reports, site analysis and a thesis project which were quite different from the one that I will be doing.

In general, this assignment is a good idea, because it makes me ready to do other assignments in the future. In reading class the students did some practice about the herbal medicine article which was very beneficial and they can use it in the assignment. In listening also the students have listened to the lecture and they have done note taking which were helpful. The lecture was about the moon and it was interesting.

They have learnt strategies for seminar in spoken presentation and they were going to have some practice in class before the final presentation, which can be seen very helpful for them because most students came from different countries and cultures and in most countries they do not give a lot of attention to presentation. Finally, in computer class the students experienced some new web sites and programmes such as blog and EAP online.

Journal 4

Last week was very useful as I gained information about referencing and how to use this in English writing. Also I have learnt how to search for specific subjects which can be beneficial for doing assignments. In addition, in writing the students have done some practice to write an Annotated Bibliography which is helpful for them, because they got ideas of putting summary and critical thinking in the Annotated Bibliography together. Because of my lack of experience with this kind of writing I find it a little bit difficult and I need more practice to help me to be better at it.

In seminar presentation the students addressed some strategies to present their seminar.
In the reading class the students have also learnt reading strategies and they have done some homework in class which I see is useful because I can get the main idea from the passages and articles.

The next class was computer class, which was very handy for me last week because I have learnt online research and students have answered online question and discussed it with each other. Furthermore, I participated in creating a website blog and now I use it for online communication or group discussion.

Finally, I can say that I am happy with this course because it makes me to become more confident so in future I will be able to use what I have learnt from these classes and I am sure I will need these one day. Over all, this achievement is done by EAP teachers who are very supportive and hopeful. Without their help I would not achieve what I have now so that is why I would like to thank them.

Journal 3

It is clear that all the lessons from last week were useful, for instance, in writing class I learnt the use and the position of definite articles (the, a or an) However, there are a few problems in my writing, which I can control by doing more practice. In addition learning some grammar structures and the topic and support sentences are other beneficial points, which are very important in essay writing. Thus, students were also taught a few common mistakes such as, punctuation, clauses and joining sentences. They have got ideas about the first assignment which will be submitted at the end of first term. After all students are required to submit an assignment on Herbal Medicine, the assignment needs to be written like a report format. Also they need to demonstrate what they have learnt so far.

In reading class students learned how to summarize a text or a passage, then described the ways to avoid plagiarism.

Another aspect is listening which can be helpful in terms of taking notes and doing listening practice such as, listening to the lecturer in class at the same time taking notes.

To sum up, there are several points of feedback on computer class which can be suggested. In my opinion it would be better if students have a schedule in computer class for the whole week. In contrast, the class is useful and understandable in terms of basic information on computers.

Journal 2

EAP students every week gain knowledge about their subjects, in fact, week by week they demonstrate their appetite for learning in an enthusiastic way.

In terms of discovering the points of view in academic writing, the students made great improvement. Apparently, when they write an academic essay, they feel confident now and more at the end of the course, in spite of some differences in academic culture in comparison with the way of thinking and approach between overseas and Australia.

Students probably have got an idea of how to take notes, do discussion and some strategies in reading passages such as: scanning, skimming, looking for key words and overview. Then they learnt more appropriate vocabulary, while noticing structures and features in academic writing. For instance, most academic writing is based on deductive argument rather than inductive. They also learnt how to borrow books from the library, its rules and also the types of text books which can benefit them for doing assignments. Moreover they obtained more skills in the computer class which can be handy for writing, reading and listening. After that more on computers` mechanism, theory and configuration.

Finally, most students in EAP have different attitudes in terms of studying and future plans. On the contrary, the process of learning English language takes longer; the best way to learn English is to do practice and to have conversations between students themselves. As a result all items and subjects in this course are interacted and integrated to each other in order to support and develop students’ abilities.

Journal 1

EAP is one of the most important courses which is able to help students to go to university and improve their English proficiency especially writing skills. In my case the long term goal is to achieve bachelor’s degree in Architecture and become an architect in Australia.

In my opinion, what I learnt last week was very useful and helpful. Firstly, the lessons addressed the differences between academic and non-academic writing and context in detail; also it gave us more chance to speak and give opinions on the subject matters. Secondly, it is clear that the practice of essay writing in class is an outstanding idea to assist students to be more familiar and faster in writing and other skills. Besides, there are several techniques that were described such as: planning, brainstorm and logical order.

On the other hand, I have done an IELTS preparation course last semester which is different from EAP in terms of time management and techniques for the test. Another point is IELTS can be similar with that in principles and goals.

Finally, it would be better if there are schedules and agendas for the whole week till the final day which is on 26 June 2009, the time table should contain the assessment date, theme and topics.

Journal 1