BACKGROUND AND INSPIRATION: Is postmodern a "style"? The postmodern era is most associated with architecture appearing since the late 1970s, continuing through today. Often postmodern architecture is referred to as neo-eclectic, essentially representing a revival of period styles for houses, and an unending variety of forms and sleek, asymmetrical designs for commercial buildings. Postmodernism is basically an allusion to the past, with multiple associations and meanings. It is a rejection of modernist thought, a return to traditional, historical precedents, a re-awakened interest in history and heritage. Postmodernism coincides with both the historic preservation movement and the new urbanism movement quite well. Contemporary skyscrapers (office towers) and their designers are basically thumbing their collective noses at the now-bland "anonymous glass box" architecture of the International era. With postmodernism, anything goes. Historical features tend to be widely exaggerated, and the critics of postmodern architecture point to the fact that contemporary architecture does not necessarily try to replicate historic styles as did the period styles, but instead makes fun of it, using a wide variety of historic forms, simplifying and mixing them into an unorganized, illogical jumble of a building. Others like the trend, citing a nice "balance" between the sleek, technical look of modern architecture and the wide variety of historic forms that can be applied.

PHOTO LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS (based on info available)

1. Vero Beach, FL. Shopping mall, c.1995.
2. Los Angeles, CA. Office tower. Any skyscraper that deviates substantially from the typical 1960s "glass box" can be considered postmodern.
3. Vero Beach, FL. Movie theater, c.1995.
4. Boston, MA. Postmodern office tower rising up behind restored facades from 19th century commercial buildings, showing the contrast between old and new.
5. Tysons Corner, VA. One of America's most famous "edge cities," outside Washington, D.C.
6. ?? Freeway interchange outside Chicago or Indianapolis, perhaps. Don't remember.
7. Charlotte, NC.
8. St. George, UT. New bank building downtown, with Greek Revival ornament.
9. Flagstaff, AZ. New county administration building.
10. Indianapolis, IN. College Life Insurance Company of America building, c.1972. This was one of the first office buildings to deviate from the modernist "glass box" ideal, and set the stage for future postmodern architecture. I came across this building by accident and fortunately had my camera.
11. Flagstaff, AZ. Convenience store, c.2002. This appears to be the next trend in convenience store design, moving steadily away from the traditional "box" form.
12. Phoenix, AZ. Phoenix Children's Hospital.
13. Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles area. A whole series of new, contrived buildings with historic styles, not unlike those found in Las Vegas. This one represents Italian Renaissance architecture.
14. Chandler, AZ.
15. Flagstaff, AZ. The A.G. Edwards Building, at Heritage Square, c.1998. Designed as an enlarged replica of the old Flagstaff City Hall, no longer standing.
16. "Edge City," outside Chicago, IL. Another postmodern office building oriented to the freeways of Chicago's suburbs.
17. Riverside, CA.
18. ?
19. Boston, MA. Adjacent to Quincy Market.
20. Toronto, CA.
21, 22. Los Angeles, CA. Disney Hall, c.1998-2003. New home for the L.A. Philharmonic.
23. Los Angeles, CA. Library Tower, c.1989. Designed to resemble a modern Roman column. Tallest building between Chicago and Hong Kong.
24. Kamloops, BC. Entry to downtown shopping mall.
25-28. Orlando, FL. Tourist-oriented businesses along International Drive (I-Drive).
29. Vernon, BC. New retail/office building downtown.
30. Chicago, IL. Harold Washington Library Center, c.1991. Reflects the Beaux-Arts classical symmetry of grand civic monuments popular in the early 20th century. Thus, reflects past historical inspirations as all postmodern architecture attempts to do in some way.