Thus, Postmodern architecture came to rise. With diversity in aesthetics and intricate techniques, Postmodernism drew from the past movements to create a style that is not only functional, but also looks good. Although Modern architecture based its form on a structure’s function, the Postmodern movement balanced things out.
Below are some features of Postmodern architecture.
The Sony Building
Image source: Wired New York
Architects normally use unconventional touches to buildings that would still look aesthetically appealing. For example, the Sony Building (formerly the AT&T Tower) sports a classic pediment infused with the blocky look common in modern offices.
Portland Municipal Services Building
Image source: Wikipedia
Colors in Postmodern architecture don’t necessarily adhere to the color wheel. They would appear unbalanced and aren’t really consistent, but would still look pleasing nonetheless. The Portland Municipal Services Building’s color scheme is an example of such. The color pattern is a combination of green, flesh, and dark-brown and appear contrasting to each other.
San Antonio Public Library
Image source: LarrySpeck.com
Countering Modern architecture’s emphasis on “less is more,” the minimalistic approach has been eschewed in favor of whim while not looking out of place. The San Antonio Public Library in Texas may be cited as an example. With an unconventional color scheme following the previous point, the building sports a Mediterranean tone on the Southeastern and Southwestern facades and magenta on the Northeastern façade. Additionally, ornaments such as the spheres shown above have been incorporated.
Postmodernism also affected church architecture. Nowadays, Postmodern churches have been sprouting everywhere.
Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Baltimore
Image source: Wikipedia
Immaculate Conception Church, New Jersey
Image source: Panoramio
Church of the Resurrection, New Albany
Image source: Shirk & O'Donovan
Through its unconventional approach on architecture, Postmodernism spread from America to Europe, and then throughout the rest of the world. It enhanced people’s perspective on architecture, not settling for what is commonly applied. That might just be the reason for its resilience!
With the Postmodern movement, we end our church architecture series. We hope you gained valuable insights on the evolution of church buildings from the dawn of Christianity to the modern world. Until next time!
References:
Characteristics of Postmodern Architecture, RinkDesign.com
Postmodern Homes, Jackie Craven, About.com
Defining Postmodern Architecture and Its Characteristics, Cockrams Surveyors
Postmodern Architecture, Saylor.org
Postmodern Buildings: Architecture, E-Architect
]]>Architects wanted a more modern twist to structures. Put to mind was a combination of technology with designs based on function. It was there that Modern architecture was born.
Modern architecture thrived during the 20th century. This was when technology became the central focus of everything. Functionality was a priority foremost.
Below are the characteristics of the Modern architectural movement.
An outline of a church's form and function. Image source: Institute for Sacred Architecture
The idea that “form follows function” thrived as a principle that a building should stand based on its purpose.
General aspects of Modernist structures followed a purpose. Renowned architect Louis Sullivan relied on the environment whenever he designed a building. Examples of such buildings are the Auditorium Building in Chicago and the Wainwright Building in Missouri.
A minimalist church concept in France. Image source: Trendhunter
Ornaments and adornments were often shunned in Modern architecture, as they were not treated as relevant to the structure’s function. Buildings were to be simpler and cleaner.
The interior of a Modernist church. Image source: Flickr
The insides of buildings would often be visible from the outside. Gone were interiors hidden behind thick solid walls. Trusses and support beams could be seen by many.
A Modern churchyard. Image source: Catholic Answers Forum
Modern architecture places emphasis on being one with nature. As significant as the lot area is, so is its composition. Landscaping became commonplace. By that, architects developed outdoor spaces and natural lighting illuminated the interiors.
Chapel Notre Dame de Haut, France (1954)
Image source: Bluffton.edu
Cathedral of Brasilia, Brazil (1970)
Image source: Human and Natural
Parish Church of Santa Monica, Spain (2006)
Image source: Contemporist
Sunset Chapel, Mexico (2011)
Image source: Arch Daily
Throughout the 20th century, Modern architecture grew in popularity, starting in the United States around 1905-1910 and the Soviet Union sometime around the 1910s.
Modernist designs were a far cry from the movements of old. It paved the way for practicality in architecture with its functional designs.
Yet some didn't appreciate the minimalistic designs. Modern architecture for others was underwhelming. They wished for a more elaborate style like those of the past. Symmetrical facades and detailed adornments had to return.
There, during the mid 20th century, Postmodernism was born. We will discuss this new movement in the next blog post.
]]>Even though Rococo architecture managed to spread beyond its country of origin, it met its decline relatively early, fading out as both an art and an architecture movement within a few decades. Artists and architects needed to move on from the flamboyant to the somber and timeless. They needed a new movement. And for that, they looked to the past.
A look into the Greco-Roman period provided the basis for this new architectural movement. Inspired by the classical antiquity, neoclassicism rose. Church architecture adopted the neoclassical style as a result.
Neoclassical architecture drew upon structures of the ancient world. This evident in the hulking façade and columns of many buildings. It persisted up until the 21st century, proving its timelessness well into modern times, though buildings made in this style in recent times are more formally known as New Classical Architecture.
Here are some features of neoclassical architecture.
Shape
The New York Public Library. Image source: Virtual Tourist
Symmetrical shapes made up the many buildings during the time, a stark contrast to Rococo's focus on asymmetry and flowing, organic shapes. The period saw a return to simple geometric forms such as round arches, while indulging in more ornate, yet still geometric, methods of ornamentation.
Columns
Various types of architectural columns. Image source: Wikipedia
Prominent, particularly in facades, were columns inspired by those in use during the Romanesque period, which in turn were inspired by column designs from Ancient Rome and Greece. The main aesthetic difference is that neoclassical columns tended to favor more dramatic columns such as the Corinthian order featured in the example of the New York Public Library above, while Romanesque columns favored simpler orders such as the Doric and Tuscan. The columns of the Neoclassic Era often reached the full height of buildings.
Pediments
Image source: Flickr
Resembling ancient landmarks, pediments were triangular in appearance. Unlike the Romanesque counterparts, elaborate decorations adorned the pediments up front.
Roofs
Image source: Architecture Styles
Domes were present in roofs of neoclassical buildings, but aren't usually visible when viewing the façade. The best way to view the domes is from the inside of the structure.
Cathedral of Vilnius, Lithuania(1783 AD)
Image source: Wikipedia
Benghazi Cathedral, Libya (1939 AD)
Image source: Panoramio
Basilica di San Marino, Italy (1838 AD)
Image source: Virtual Tourist
St. Stephen’s Basilica, Hungary (1905 AD)
Image source: Budapest Locals
Unlike other movements, neoclassicism lasted centuries. Factors of neoclassical art and architecture are still in use today. Elements of neoclassicism remained untouchedm despite the rise of modernity. And even after other movements rose, neoclassicism was never forgotten.
Later in the 19th century, the neoclassical movement went hand-in-hand with the Romantic Movement. The latter was more focused on art instead of architecture. And by the end of the century was the dawn of the modern era.
A new architectural movement was on the rise once again. It was an effort to incorporate current architectural styles with technological advancements.
The Modernist movement was then born. Its influence is still evident in today’s society.
We will talk about Modernist architecture in the next blog post.
]]>They wanted more freedom. They wanted to incorporate elaborate and more flamboyant designs. Even church architecturehad to change.
Hence, the Rococo movement—also known as the late Baroque movement—was born.
The name Rococo comes from two words: The French word "rocaille" which means "stone" and the Italian word "barocco," a misshapen pearl. Interestingly, It was actually only coined during the 19th century and was not used during its conception.
And the Rococo movement fostered changes in Europe’s architecture.
Below are common features of Rococo architecture.
Walls
Image source: V&A UK
Minimized was the use of entablatures and the designs have become more abstract. Plastic covers replaced the angles in the corners connecting to the ceiling.
Dado
Image source: Rococo Revisited
The dado or the lower part of the wall was dwarfed. During the period, it was also used to a lesser extent.
Ornaments and Decorations
Image source: Wikipedia
Elaborating on the abstract designs, incorporated were ornaments in shape of shells and plants. Scrollwork and bizarre designs were also used.
Bizarre scrollwork found in Rococo structures.
Image source: JustAboveSunset.com
Color scheme
Rococo architecture used a lot of pastels. This was unlike the emphasis on light and dark lighting of the Baroque era upon neutral colors. Architects also used ivory white and gold.
Shapes
mage source: AMT 200
Artists and architects deviated from the Baroque style through a complex approach. This made structures look more grandiose.
Wies Church, Germany (circa 1740 AD)
mage source: Wikipedia
Asamkirche, Germany (1746 AD)
Image source: City Scouter
Church of St. Theresa, Lithuania (mid 1700s AD)
Image source: Vilnius Tourism
Through its flamboyant, over-the-top designs, Rococo architecture captivated many throughout the continent. Yet it was never embraced in places like the British Isles as they thought the style was too “French” for their taste.
It was also met with criticism. Figures like Voltaire stated that it was too trivial. Others said it catered to a worldly, more materialistic audience.
Religious leaders also remarked that the movement was too secular. It glorified political leaders instead of the divine. By that, there were only a few churches in France that adopted such style.
Rococo met its decline during the late 18th century as a new movement began to rise. This movement attempted once again to revive the artistic and architectural styles of the past.
This was the Neoclassical movement. It took inspiration from the Greco-Roman period. It replicated the art-forms and architecture of the ancient world.
We will talk about the Neoclassical movement in next week’s blog post.
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