Post class, postmodern architecture, meg143- 2/7

This week in class we focused mainly on Postmodern Architecture, which I found very interesting. After studying abroad in London and taking a class on Architecture I felt I had a good background of information on how and why buildings were created the way they were depending on each time period. Jencks 11 canons of architecture gave a great description of examples that people have used in the past when creating postmodern buildings. There are a number of examples of postmodern architecture all over Europe. One in particular that I think is so interesting is the glass pyramid that was built as the entrance to the Louvre museum in Paris. The Louvre is such a beautiful, classical, and historical building and it is so interesting to see such a postmodern structure built with it. The pyramid is built of metal and glass and stands about 70 feet in height. It was built in 1989 and caused quite a bit of controversy over whether or not the contrasting architectural themes would work together. The pyramid has become a landmark of Paris and it was amazing to see. It is the perfect example of radical eclecticism of putting two completely different forms together to create something completely new and different. Another great form of radical eclecticism in postmodern architecture is the “Falling Water” building by Frank Lloyd Wright. The bizarre combination of mediums used from concrete to glass gives it such an interesting feel. The pictures we saw of the building were very unique and looked like artwork that blended in with the nature around it. The Falling Water building truly looks like a waterfall and that it belongs in the forest. Postmodern architecture has such a different look and feel and sometimes doesn’t make sense at first but it is also so beautiful and represents such an interesting era and theme in architecture.