San Antonio Library
Over time, architecture has passed through a variety of different styles. Compare the San Antonio Library to St. Peter’s Basilica. What similarities and differences do you notice?
The Postmodern architect of the San Antonio Library used light, color, water, humor, and conscience in his design. He wanted visitors to admire the interesting architecture of the library, but also to want to stay and read. The following two elements that tie the design together reflect the qualities of Postmodern design:
strong, simple, geometric shapes
bright, intense colors
Do you think the architect used these same Postmodern elements on the library’s interior? Why or why not?
There is still a disagreement about an exact definition of Postmodern style. It began as a reaction against the Modern movement, which some people believed to be stale and boring. Modern architects created efficient designs without decoration, but Postmodern architects added extravagant color and exaggerated detail. Postmodernists celebrate not only fine art and architecture but also pop culture. They include pop culture references in their designs. Postmodernism is often referred to as a populist style—a style for the people. Pop culture refers to cultural activities or products that reflect, or are aimed at, the general population of people at the present time.
In this creative exercise, you will take on the role of a Postmodern architect. It is your job to design a building façade, or exterior of a building, that reflects Postmodernism in its appearance. Use the instructions in Design a Postmodern Façade, as well as the Postmodern Façade rubric to guide your work. Be sure to remind yourself regularly of the principles of Postmodern design, including the following:
simple, strong, geometric shapes
bright, intense colors
extravagant color and exaggerated detail
At the end of this lesson, you will choose to submit either your Postmodern Façade or your Common Currency activity from Lesson 1.
Select the links to access the Design a Postmodern Façade instructions and the Postmodern Façade rubric. Use the Process worksheet to describe you creation and reflect on the design.
Design a Postmodern Façade instructions:
1. Start by selecting a building that you want to design the façade for. It can be a fictional building or a real one.
2. Consider the principles of Postmodern design, including strong geometric shapes, bright colors, and extravagant detailing.
3. Sketch out a few different designs for the façade, playing with different shapes, colors, and details.
4. Choose a final design that you think best reflects the principles of Postmodern design.
5. Create a detailed drawing or digital rendering of your final design, making sure to include all the intricate details and bright colors.
6. Write a brief description of your design, explaining how it incorporates the principles of Postmodern design and what inspired your choices.
Postmodern Façade rubric:
- Strong geometric shapes: Does the design incorporate simple, strong geometric shapes in an interesting way?
- Bright colors: Are bright and intense colors used effectively in the design, adding visual interest?
- Extravagant detail: Does the design include exaggerated detailing that adds depth and complexity to the façade?
- Creativity: Is the design original and inventive, showing a unique take on Postmodern principles?
- Presentation: Is the drawing or digital rendering clear, detailed, and visually appealing?
- Reflection: Does the written description explain how the design reflects Postmodern principles and what inspired the choices made?
Process worksheet:
Describe your creation:
- What building did you choose to design the façade for?
- How did you incorporate strong geometric shapes into your design?
- How did you use bright colors to add visual interest to the façade?
- What extravagant details did you include in your design and how do they enhance the overall look?
- What was the inspiration behind your design choices?
- How does your design reflect the principles of Postmodern design?
Reflect on the design:
- Do you think you effectively captured the essence of Postmodern design in your façade?
- What was the most challenging aspect of creating this design?
- What did you enjoy the most about the design process?
- How do you feel about the final result?
Do it for me
I'm happy to help you with the design! Could you please provide me with the name of the building you would like to design the façade for?
San Antonia library
Design a Postmodern Façade for the San Antonio Library:
I chose to design a Postmodern façade for the San Antonio Library.
Incorporating strong geometric shapes:
For this design, I decided to use a combination of sharp angles and curves to create an interesting and dynamic façade. The main entrance features a large triangular shape, while the windows on the upper levels have circular frames. These shapes add visual interest and complexity to the overall design.
Using bright colors effectively:
I used a bold color palette for this design, incorporating shades of vibrant red, yellow, and blue. These bright colors contrast with the neutral tones of the building's exterior, making the façade stand out and catch the eye of passersby.
Including extravagant details:
To add depth and complexity to the façade, I included intricate patterns and textures throughout the design. The entrance doors are adorned with geometric patterns, and the windows feature colorful stained glass panels. These details give the façade a sense of whimsy and playfulness.
Inspiration behind design choices:
My inspiration for this design came from the vibrant culture and art scene of San Antonio. I wanted the façade to reflect the energy and creativity of the city, while also paying homage to the history and architecture of the library itself.
Reflection on the design:
Overall, I believe that this design effectively captures the essence of Postmodern design with its strong geometric shapes, bright colors, and extravagant details. The most challenging aspect of creating this design was finding the right balance of colors and patterns to ensure a cohesive look. I most enjoyed the creative process of experimenting with different shapes and colors to bring the design to life. I am happy with the final result and believe that it successfully reflects the principles of Postmodern design.
Shorter
Design a Postmodern Façade for the San Antonio Library:
For the San Antonio Library façade design, I incorporated strong geometric shapes like triangles and circles, used bright colors such as red, yellow, and blue, and added intricate details like geometric patterns and stained glass. Inspired by the vibrant culture of San Antonio, the design captures the essence of Postmodern style with its playful and creative elements. Overall, the design successfully reflects the principles of Postmodern design by balancing geometric shapes, bright colors, and extravagant details.