Post-Modernism in America

In learning about post-modernism in America, one designer that I found very interesting Robert Venturi. He wrote a book called "Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture". The thought behind this book was that simplicity and logic as the cornerstone for modern design only led to boring and dull designs. When some designers were saying that "Less is More", Venturi was saying that "Less is a bore". This was a change from the previous though of modern design as being overly simplistic and stark. Venturi saw modern design as being great when complexity and contradiction were combined. This allowed for a more interesting space while still being modern. Unlike other designers, Venturi embraced historical design concepts and decorative ornamentation. One of the houses that he designed under this concept was the Vanna Venturi house in Philadelphia, this was the first example of his theory.

Venturi also created a chair that resembles the historic chippendale chair combined with a Queen Anne chair, and Art Deco,  with a very modern take on it. It has more modern lines and a very interesting and complex pattern. This displays how he incorporated historic design into his modern design. 

Modern Application 

bathroom featuring a Venturi chair

Fire station designed by Robert Venturi

Peer Review:

Angie did a really nice job talking about post-modernism in America. I loved the picture of the Gwathmey home that she shared! She also shared some modern application pictures that really featured elements that were common to post-modern design that are being used in new contraction today.