Postmodern

Postmodern architecture refers to the "anything goes" spirit that developed in the 1950s, though it did not reach popularity until the late 1970s. The meshing of two or more different architectural styles often producing a one of a kind look in every building. Aestetics are of high importance in this architectural style, as is a sense of humor.

Features

 * Sense of "anything goes": Forms filled with humor, irony, ambiguity, contradiction
 * Juxtaposition of styles: Blend of traditional, contemporary, and newly-invented forms
 * Exaggerated or abstract traditional detailing
 * Materials or decorations drawn from far away sources
 * pent roofing is usually seen (peaked roofing is from the modernist movement)

History
Starting in the late 1950s in the United States, this style of architecture was a reaction to Modernism. Modernism was built on the belief that less is more and that clean, straight lines are ideal. Postmodern design is meant to be abstract, with few straight lines and sometimes more is better. The outside of a postmodern building is meant to convey a message to the viewing world, often one of humor. The desire for functionality and economically sound buildings meant that there was little room for ornaments and frills (a concept Americans had become accustomed to). Modern buildings were rational and plain in appearance, causing Americans to feel a sense of nostalgia for their decorations. Also, Americans eventually developed the idea that buildings should meet human needs of comfort for borth the body and eyes. Ultimately, postmodernism won the battle over modernism when many of the modern-styled apartment blocks turned into slums. Postmodernism is not limited by straight lines and economic stability, it is only limited by the architects visions.

Architects
Notable architects associated with this style include:
 * Ricardo Bofill
 * John Burgee
 * Santiago Calatrava
 * Terry Farrell
 * Michael Graves
 * Helmut Jahn
 * Jon Jerde
 * Philip Johnson
 * Ricardo Legorreta
 * Frank Gehry
 * Charles Willard Moore
 * William Pereira
 * Boris Podrecca
 * Cesar Pelli
 * Paolo Portoghesi
 * Antoine Predock
 * Aldo Rossi
 * Robert A.M. Stern
 * James Stirling
 * Robert Venturi
 * Peter Eisenman