Postmodern architecture started in the late 20th century. It was a response to modernism, which had very different ideas. Here are the main points that help us understand what makes postmodern architecture unique:

1. Diversity:

   • Postmodern architecture combines many different styles and ideas. It celebrates variety, unlike modernism, which focused on simple and similar designs.

2. Fun and Humor:

   • Postmodern buildings often have playful shapes and surprise elements. This is a big change from the serious, practical approach of modernism.

3. Attention to Context:

   • Postmodern architects pay attention to the history and culture of the area where they build. They include local traditions and meanings in their designs, while modernism aimed for a design style that could be understood everywhere.

4. Mix of Materials:

   • Postmodern buildings use a lot of different materials, like glass, brick, metal, and ceramics. In contrast, modernist buildings mainly used concrete and steel. A good example of this variety is the Portland Building, built in 1982 by Michael Graves.

5. Decor and Meaning:

   • Postmodern architecture brings back ornament and symbolism. It often features detailed decorations, which modernism had mostly left out. A famous example is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry.

Quick Facts:

• When it Happened:

  • Postmodernism started to grow in popularity during the 1960s. Modernism was the main style from the 1920s to the 1970s.

• Notable Buildings:

  • About 30% of important buildings built in the 1980s and 90s showed postmodern features.

In summary, postmodern architecture shows a big change in how we think about building design. It values personal expression and connects to history, rather than just being practical and abstract like modernist architecture.