Lecture 11: Postmodernism

Postmodernism is the plan to modernise our lifestyles, but in an affordable way.
Modernism collapsed because it was promoting a lifestyle that no one could afford, so designers changed their ideals to a postmodern world.

Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, Pompidou Centre, Paris, 1972-77

James Stirling, Neue Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart, Germany, 1977-83

These two images are examples of how cheap materials have been used to make useful building parts. The pipes on the outside, the poles and architecture could be seen as a form of art, as well as useful.

Philippe Starck, Juicy Salif, 1990

This fruit juicer seems like a pretty ornamental, useful household object. However, it's regarded more on its aesthetics rather then its practical use. It's function doesn't work as well, so people would rather buy it as an ornament.

I think the idea behind postmodernism is good, because it's trying to give us a more affordable lifestyle. 

However, after reviewing a lot of the recent architecture, it doesn't seem as practical as the objects we 

use at the moment, it seems to have been made as a form of art rather then it's usefulness.