BACKGROUND AND INSPIRATION: Is postmodern a "style"? The postmodern era is most associated with architecture appearing since the 1970s, continuing through today. Often postmodern architecture is referred to as neo-eclectic, essentially representing a revival of period styles for houses. 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. Postmodern houses include the following general forms: the Neo-Mansard, Neo-colonial, Neo-French, Neo-Tudor, Neo-Mediterranean, Neoclassical Revival (Its third appearance!), and Neo-Victorian. Many of these are exemplified in these photos. America's re-awakening to historical styles was also encouraged by the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations, which led to a greater emphasis on early American architecture. No surprise, by the mid-1970s numerous middle-class developments began to revive various simplified stylistic elements of the past (see especially photos 8-13 below). By the 1980s and 90s, houses got bigger and more elaborate in newer suburbs, often with more room for cars (see photos 3, 5, 14). The postmodern era thus continues with a vengance. Of course, higher gasoline prices and more expensive building materials and transportation costs seem to be dampening the continued drive toward "big" and "suburban," with central cities seeing a recent revival of property values and housing demand.

PHOTO LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS (based on info available)

1. Champaign, IL. A "Neo-French" postmodern house, c.1980s.
2. Champaign, IL. c.1990s
3. Champaign, IL. c.1990s. This one has a side-loading three-car garage on the right.
4. Champaign, IL. c. 1990s. A "neo-Colonial" house, basically a revival of the Georgian Revival of the 1920s.
5. Victorville, CA. c.1999. "neo-Mediterranean" style, popular now throughout the desert Southwest and Florida.
6. Outside Tucson, AZ. Another postmodern, neo-Mediterranean home.
7. Champaign, IL. Both houses are postmodern; the one on the left is basically neo-colonial revival, representing the second revival of the Georgian style
8. St. Louis suburbs. c.1970s. First decade of America's return to historic styles after the modern era. This neo-Tudor exhibits half-timbering, cantelievered second story, casement windows, and asymmetrical floor plan.
9. St. Louis suburbs. c.1970s. Another neo-Tudor.
10. St. Louis suburbs. c.1970s. neo-Classical Revival, with temple front porch.
11. St. Louis suburbs. c.1970s. neo-Colonial, with Classical front porch and Federal-style entryway.
12. St. Louis suburbs. c.1970s. neo-Colonial.
13. St. Louis suburbs. c.1970s. neo-Colonial.
14. St. Louis suburbs. c.2005. neo-Victorian.
15. Venice Beach, CA. neo-Victorian. Notice exaggerated fanlights (arched windows) and simplified "stick" style facade.