Postmodern architecture, sometimes also called Postmodernism, is a creative design that is a celebration of the individual and creativity. It emerged from the rejection of traditional, modern styles. It sought to create buildings that are exciting and lively while preserving the traditional design norms. Postmodernists wanted to design buildings that could accurately represent the world they live in, without being compromised by their subject matter. This type of architecture is often misunderstood as kitsch architecture due to the fact that many of the shapes and details that are used are intended to be humorous.

Postmodern architecture places a lot of emphasis on form rather than function. It is functional, but it does so in a way that's distinctive to its particular category. Architectural forms can be free-flowing and fun, and reveal the beauty and awe inherent in the organic human form. Postmodernists recognized the value of using structures to tell stories and utilized it to tell stories through the architecture itself. They resisted the clichs and traditional forms of architecture and instead designed buildings that showcased the unexpected amazing, stunning, and extraordinary in a creative and bold way.

The origins of postmodern design can be traced to thinker Peter Eisenman. Eisenman believed that we lived in a period where architecture was not structured or codified. Instead he believed that architecture was a subject that needed to be left to the imagination of designers and artists. Eisenman created a new type of architecture devoid from convention and tradition using this concept. Eisenman was determined to create a structure that was original and thrilling by reexamining the existing forms and replacing them with more artistic and flexible versions.

Although there are many opinions there is a consensus that Louis Sullivan, a Memphis architect, is the most appropriate place to begin understanding the postmodern architecture of the past. He is one of the most prominent and significant architects of the pomo style, and renowned for his clear planning and innovative thinking, Memphis was home to many of the most significant architectures in the pomo style of the late 20th century. For instance, the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art and the Memphis Museum of Art both contain a significant piece from the career of Sullivan. Other items comprise the Vitruvian Man and the Solar Plexus.

Paul Rudolph is one of many architects who are associated with midcentury modern architecture. Rudolph was born and was raised in Germany and, while he was at the University of Munich, made the decision to move to the United States in pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts degree. At this prestigious university, he became one of the most influential and famous modern architects around the globe. His mid-century modern architecture is considered to be among the finest. The so-called Arch of Triumph is Rudolph's most notable accomplishment.

The architect that is closely connected to the postmodern design movement is Edith Grossman. Edith Grossman was born in 1933. She studied art in Vienna and London and then proceeded to create her own business. Among her notable works include the bust in plaster of Queen Elisabeth of Romania, which was damaged during World War II when it was destroyed by bombs. Other works include sculptures of the Niesen Gallery in Cologne, and the Vitraulleuchtler Institute in Giessen.

Giulia Samoili is an interior designer and planner, is intimately connected to the postmodern architecture scene. She has collaborated with Samuel Marcucco and George wanton to design a variety of iconic interior designs, such as the Sacrato d'Orcia, Turin, Italy. The famous palace was filmed by the inmates of the prison as as if they were real. Many visitors became interested in the film and found the secret place where the palace's inhabitants sleep: their underground passageways. There are also instances of interior design that date back to Postmodern times in major cities, like London's lobbies corridors and other areas. The futuristic look of these buildings can be easily recognized. The Walkley's Building in London is a great example. It appears like it's rising up from the ground and is constructed from concrete.


Postmodern architecturecontinues to increase in popularity, as architects turn away from the concrete and brick world to create more organic forms of architecture, including natural landscapes and organic materials. One example is the idea to build a building entirely from recycled bricks in Wissensuche, France. It is located in the Rhone River region. Another inspiring example is the utilization of wood as a mainstay of architecture in Barcelona, where a couple of small wooden cladding panels were placed on the top of a planned five-star hotel. Also an extremely popular option for modernists, is the use of glass in architecture. Modernist architects have built buildings with glass walls that create small spaces inside the walls.