Postmodern modernist architecture in Montsouris

IModernist architecture is no longer flavour of the month. Yet it can be interesting at times. As I was walking down the street, not that far from where I live, I stumbled upon the following building and found it rather puzzling. Strictly speaking, it can’t be classified as modern architecture.

Here’s what Riba has to say about that movement.

“Rejecting ornament and embracing minimalism, Modernism became the single most important new style or philosophy of architecture and design of the 20th century. It was associated with an analytical approach to the function of buildings, a strictly rational use of (often new) materials, structural innovation and the elimination of ornament. It was also known as International Modernism or International Style, after an exhibition of modernist architecture in America in 1932 by the architect Philip Johnson” – source

An oval-shaped opening

As there is this interesting oval shaped opening above the stairs, I almost thought, for a while, we had to deal with postmodern architecture. Here’s the definition according to invaluable.com

“Postmodernism’s emergence and proliferation was a direct response to the rise of art movements like modernism, a style that discouraged the use of historical reference in architecture. As modernism grew in popularity, notable structures in major cities underwent extensive renovations. This often resulted in historic buildings being demolished and replaced with stilted versions that held little regard for the artistic characterisations of surrounding buildings” – source

Here’s a famous example of a postmodern building shot in Portland, Oregon

Yet the ornementation above is rather minimal hence my decision to label it postmodern modernist architecture.

I.e. modern architecture with a small cherry on the cake to make it feel a little less modern, yet modern enough.

What do you think?

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Yann Gourvennec

I'm a photographer and watercolourist. I have practiced photography since childhood and digital photography since 1995. I turned it into my main occupation in 2021. I own a photo studio in Paris, France. Antimuseum.com is both my photo blog and the website for my photography business. My public Flickr space is available at https://flickr.com/yag

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