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The Postmodern architecture style can easily be distinguished from other architectural styles.

Here are
the 10 distinctive characteristics of postmodern architecture:

(1) SCULPTURAL AND ABSTRACT FORMS

Buildings were constructed to break up the period's architectural uniformity. Forms that had never been
seen before were then incorporated into architectural structures, giving them an artistic character. Not
necessarily organic, but the aesthetics of building facades were evolving and becoming more inventive.
It alludes to the idea that architecture is a creative discipline in which architects can incorporate a
unique element into their designs.

(2) FRAGMENTATION

Building complexes evolved in place of singular towering constructions that dominated their
surrounding setting. One building was split down into smaller blocks with divided purposes. This meant
that the structure was still a single structure, but it worked as connected components, allowing the
structure to experiment with diverse methodologies while amplifying the overall architectural form's
influence.

(3) ASYMMETRY

Both tiny building components and the complete structure challenged the geometry and balance of
earlier architectural styles. Instead of looking dull or machine-like, built forms began to look more
unique and intriguing, capturing the attention of users and passers-by. Asymmetry is a key component in
Postmodern design. A Postmodern home's floor plan is never fully symmetrical, which adds to the
home's individualism and distinctiveness. These designers enjoy experimenting with lines and shapes,
particularly exaggerating rooflines, and slopes. Unusual angles and confusing shapes are also prevalent.

(4) COLOR AND ORNAMENTATION

Buildings have reclaimed ornamental features, in stark contrast to Modernism's simplicity. This
decoration was strategically placed to create an appealing façade. Color was used in a variety of ways,
including subdued tones and highly vivid tints, to make the building stand out. Colors were used by
architects in the Postmodern era to create interest and make a statement.

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(5) MATERIALITY

Newer materials were accessible for architects to employ and use to their buildings in inventive ways as
technology and construction progressed. Unlike previous architectural movements, the Post-modernism
movement did not have a dominant material. Everything was utilized, from brick to concrete to glass
and steel, to the fullest extent possible. Materials had begun to be employed as a tool for design rather
than only for construction.
(6) ‘HUMOR’ OR ‘IRONY’

A feature of Postmodernism is a sense of playfulness, in which buildings are not limited to serving as
functional constructions but may be so much more. Humor was utilized as an ornament to a design
concept or even to clue into the function. The structures sprang to life thanks to the exaggerated forms,
which elicited sentiments of delight and enthusiasm among the users.

(7) SYMBOLISM

Symbolic forms, components, and spaces heightened the building's effect. This was done in order to
comprehend the building's function, and numerous factors of the situational environment were
considered when constructing the structure in order to make it more expressive and sensitive. With
their design conceptions, architects appeared to be more deliberate and delicate.

(8) TROMPE L’OEIL

This French word translates to "eye trick." It is mostly an artistic approach that use visuals to create
spatial illusions. A painting method in which the elements are drawn in such realistic detail that the
viewer is fooled. A similar technique was employed to generate the appearance of depth in space
planning.

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(9) CLASSICAL AND TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS

Classical features were not directly utilized in the buildings, unlike Neoclassicism, but they appeared to
have been modified and used. Traditional and local cultural styles were employed as inspiration, with
hints pulled from them to help the building link more intimately with its environment and function.

(10) DOUBLE CODING (CONTRADICTION)

Double coding refers to buildings that have extremely different styles on two sides of the façade, making
the lower façade appear disconnected from the upper façade. To achieve this appearance, a
combination of tools and architectural aspects are combined. This enabled for a diverse interpretation
of the building depending on the point of view, as well as the building to transmit different ideas.

https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-styles/a2588-10-distinctive-characteristics-of-post-
modernism/

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