Postmodern architecture in the UK is categorised by striking shapes and bright colours. Together these elements combine to create a really eclectic blend of modernism and historical design ideas. There are great examples of PoMo public buildings, housing estates, commercial architecture, and even landscapes.
Not surprisingly the blending of elements, different shapes and colours always seems to split opinion. Some people love the buildings whereas others aren’t as fond. The latter has resulted in a few of them being demolished and lost forever.
Incredibly, as some of these buildings age opinions change and more people come to appreciate the designs. This is not all that surprising though when you consider that the founding principles of the style are more important with the current architectural field. For example context and narrative were both crucial.
One of the most amazing things about postmodern architecture is how quickly it came and went in the UK. The movement started in America in the 1960s but didn’t translate across the Atlantic until the 80s. By the 90s the style was gone, leaving behind plenty of questions about what lasting effects it would have.
The PoMo buildings are in the spotlight because many of them are approaching the point where they either need to be listed and protected or replaced. As a result of the finality of the latter it is worth looking at those properties with unique elements that are worth preserving.
No 1 Poultry is one of the most famous and remains a beloved piece of commercial architecture. It became the youngest listed building in England in 2016 when it was just 19 years old. This came because of proposals to dramatically alter it.
There are plenty of wonderful features of James Stirling’s design to appreciate. The bands of rose stone are instantly eye-catching and make the building stand out. Then there are the unique shapes such as the turret and key hole shaped opening.
More post modern buildings may receive similar protection in coming years, preserving buildings from a relatively short, rather interesting period of time.