Week 14- Post Modernism / Deconstruction

 This week in History of Interiors we learned about Post Modernism / Deconstruction. This movement began in the 1980’s and was a revolt against modernism.  

One artist from this era was Andy Warhol, an American Visual artist, known for his pop art that is still recognized today. 

 
(Pop Art- Andy Warhol) (Modern Application)

A significant architect, Robert Venturi, wrote two books that inspired post-modernism, saying that great design comes from complexity and contradiction and that ornamentation provides meaning. Venturi is known not only for his architecture, but also furniture that we discussed in previous chapters.  

A group of different architects who were all a part of this movement were referred to as the New York Five. These five men were Michael Graves, Richard Meier, Charles Gwathmey, John Hejduk, and Peter Eisenman.  

Michael Graves was an architect who had an eccentric taste, using strong natural colors and authentic forms, while embracing decorative detail. Believing that design should be available for everyone, he embraced classical architecture and its ideals of humanism. He even became a pioneer for accessibility for interior design, as he himself was handicapped. 

 
(Public Library- Michael Graves) (Modern Application- Elgin Library)

Charles Gwathmey was an architect who enjoyed creating complex geometry with the reality of materials of both art and architecture.  

Richard Meier, influenced by Mies Vander Rohe and Le Corbusier, also created geometric designs. Considering the whole site, he merged interior and exterior spaces together. He often used white to enhance the lighting within a space and created abstract forms.  

John Hejduk, another member of the group, had a cubist style that used grids, studying psychological elements within his craft. In one of his most famous works, The Wall House, he studied the juxtaposition between public and private spaces.  

Deconstructivism was a style that also began in the late 1980’s, which took apart and moved pieces to create a new form.  

Peter Eisenman was not only an architect, but also an educator, theorist, and the final member of the New York Five. Eisenman was not interested in green design but rather thought that “Architecture does not solve human problems”.  He created fragmented looking designs that were truly unpredictable.  

Frank Gehry is another well-known architect for this movement, creating experimental designs.  

 
(Wiggle Chair- Frank Gehry) (Modern Day Application)

One Step Further: 

One architect who I found for this movement goes by the name of Daniel Libeskind. Known for his ability to evoke cultural memory in his projects, he creates unique sustainable architectural creations from his deep commitment to all things in the art.  

Libeskind was born in Poland, raised in America, later moving to Berlin for work, eventually making his way back to New York. He has designed several museums all throughout the world as well as commercial centers and residential towers. Winning dozens of awards and influencing arcitecture and the development of cities and culture, Libeskind is truly an architect to admire.  

 

https://libeskind.com/people/daniel-libeskind/ 

https://www.novatr.com/blog/deconstructivism-in-architecture#3