Post Modernism

The designers and architects in this movement argued that modern architecture was meaningless and that it lacked irony and difficulties which prevailed in historical buildings.  Post modern designers thought that modernism resulted in unwanted buildings and incomprehensible books. However Robert Venturi wrote a book in 1966 saying that “ambiguity and contradiction was valid in design”. He also argued that the absence of ornament was dehumanising design.

                In 1989 famous designer Giorgio Armani’s Casual look design broke down the dividing line between day wear and evening wear, formal and casual by fusing both styles in a single look. American Critic Charles Jencks recommended that products should be made of elements which are hybrid meaning that styles and elements should be mixed. His sun table and chairs series which was produced in 1984 is a perfect example of this. The set had elements and looks from the Egyptian era and the art deco as he mixed these two styles to create his chair. Post modernism designs looked at other historical styles for inspiration and reference such as the art deco style, De Stijl and constructivism. Other designers introduced eccentric and abnormal elements in their designs.

 

Armani's1989 release.

Sun Table and Chairs Series.

 Nowadays we do not take any notice of the dividing line that there once was. We wear tracksuit jackets on jeans or gym clothes to go out to school. However before Giorgio Armani and other designers changed the people’s mentality and broke the division one did not used to go out and wear a tracksuit jacket on jeans, or wear training shoes to go out.

                During the post modern movement there was also the merging of fine arts and mass culture. Architects such as Michael Groves introduced a new look by the mid 1970’s. Michael Graves’ Portland buildings which were designed in 1982 contain elements which are hybrid. He gives his building an art deco and a pyramid like look and we can see this due to the lines that are found at the side of the building. We can see a resemblance between the building and the pyramids thanks to the triangular corners that are found on the building and also thanks to the glorious entrance and the golden sculpture in front of it which looks like the entrance to a pharaoh’s tomb. The Building is credited with helping the rejection of modernist styles involving a return to classicism in architecture.

Portland Building.

 

The Memphis group which was founded in Milan in 1981 and consisted of the designers: Ettore Sottsass, Michele De Lucchi, Marco Zanini, Mateo Thun, Nathalie Du Pasquier and George Sowden, aimed to strengthen Radical design and device a new creative approach to design. The name of the group was chosen after Bob Dylan’s song.

The Group members.

 

References:

De Zeen. 2011. The Portland Public Service Building . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.dezeen.com/2011/12/08/the-portland-building-by-michael-graves-associates-added-to-national-register-of-historic-places/. [Accessed 30 November 14].

Artvalue.com. 2009. JENCKS Charles A., *1939 (USA) . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.artvalue.com/auctionresult--jencks-charles-a-1939-usa-chaises-sun-chair-4-2547661.htm. [Accessed 30 November 14].

Italy Chronicles. 2010. Information on the Memphis Design Movement. [ONLINE] Available at: http://italychronicles.com/italian-design-focus-on-the-memphis-design-movement/. [Accessed 30 November 14].

Style Regisrty. 1999. Giorgio Armani | Spring 1989 . [ONLINE] Available at: http://styleregistry.livejournal.com/252192.html. [Accessed 30 November 14].