Has Post-Modern architecture killed modern architecture?

Or is it simply
continuation/advancement of Modern?

There are several differences and similarities between post modernism and
modernism. Throughout the essay I will be discussing whether or not Post modern
architecture has killed modernism or is it just a continuation. I believe that modernism
is still widely used in architecture at the moment however some architects prefer to
use post modernism. In my opinion post modernism is against the views of
modernism however post modernism could not overcome modernism. Both of the
structures are looking to create new architectural forms through using technology,
different techniques and contemporary materials. Therefore I believe that post
modernism is a continuation of modernism.
In order for me debate post modernism we have to verify the understanding of
modernism.
Modern architecture breaks away from cookie-cutter design and traditional
aesthetics. It strives to create home designs that go beyond standard ideas and
instead pursue projects inspired by layout, location, and function.
Modern architecture is the term used to describe the simplified, unornamented
building styles of the late 19th and the 20th centuries. Modern architects are inspired
by machine aesthetics, and the materials used are functional and simple. Therefore
the modern designs are based on simple layouts with no details. The aim of a
modern architecture is to go back to the basics and have a simple functional design.
Modern architecture wanted to reinvent itself. They (architects) thought that if "we
could reinvent the city, then we would reinvent the man itself". Therefore, to reinvent
a city, you need to reinvent architecture. They tried to broke from historicism
However, post modernism looks in to architecture from a different perspective.
Postmodern architecture replaces structured modernist form and function with an
eclectic mash up of borrowed styles.
Postmodern architecture is a continuation from modern functionalism. The idea of
functionality and simple designs were viewed as unwelcoming. Post modernism
merged art and functionality together.
Post-modern architecture was about inclusion and accepting what is bad and what is
good and tried to mix it up.
Appendix one is the AT&T building in New York by Philip Johnson constructed in
1984. The building is a tall sky scraper therefore modern technology was used for the
building. However, the top section of the building has a classical look to it therefore
this is a good example of post modernism.

Appendix two is an example of modern architecture by Gordon Bunshaft of

Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill built in 1963 at New Haven Yale University Library
"All modern creations must correspond to the new materials and demands of the
present if they are to suit modern man; they must illustrate our own better,
democratic, self-confident, ideal nature and take into account man's colossal
technical and scientific achievements, as well as his thoroughly practical tendency -that is surely self-evident!"Otto Wagner.
The straight lines and functionality of the building is shows that the design idea is
taken from modernism.
The two designs are very different in the way they have been designed. The AT&T
building has a triangular roof where as the Beinecke rare book & manuscript library
has a flat roof. The modernism style is brought out by straight lines and a simple
design. Whereas the AT&T post modern building has more key features such as a
structural design. As explained in the definitions of modernism and post modernism
architecture Beinecke rare book & manuscript library building has a simple and
functional form. On the other hand the AT&T building has based the design on art
and visually.
However, modernism and post modernism may look different but i believe that there
are similarities between them. The main similarity between the two building is that
they both aim to be functional and the base of both of the designs are upright and do
not widen in various angles. Even though are similarities cannot be sported easily I
believe that post modernism and a continuation of modernism.
Jencks (1977) points out the fact that even though modern architecture considered
to keep the same style regarding culture in an area to create a city, postmodern
architecture aims to have various type of buildings to have a comprehensive and
cosmopolitan city.
Therefore, as modernism does not use culture in their designs shows a large
architectural difference between post modernism. Even though they both aim for an
eye catching structure post modernism tends to blend in the environments. As post
modernism uses cultural differences in the design of the building this has allowed
contemporary architecture to evolve. However, this does not show that post
modernism has killed modernism.
If we are to generalise, modernism was created in opposition to classicism.
Modernism is completely different from classicism therefore; when the post
modernism architectural structure was created as an opposition for modernism on
the other hand it can post modernism and contemporary modernism is a developed
structure of modernism.

Jencks (1986) focuses on the using of contemporary technology to separate

postmodern architects from modernist architects. However, in other meaning, even
though it uses technology, this new style looks forward to achieve the new designs
which contain old patterns rather than researching and exploring new patterns.
Therefore, it may be inferred that this characteristic of postmodern architecture is a
kind of searching new in the past without considering the future.
As Jencks argues that new contemporary technology is used in post modernism to
create new designs by using old structures, on the other hand modernism tends to
create different structures of designs while using contemporary technology. This
shows that both modernism and post modernism are trying to create new designs
with different techniques. Through this similarity it is evident to me that post
modernism is a continuation of modernism.
In the final analysis, as it has been evaluated in the essay, post modern architecture
is a continuation of modern architecture. However, there are many differences
between them but post modern architecture is developed and transformed from
modernism. I also believe that contemporary architecture has been formed from post
modernism unintentionally by changing and adapting the criticisms of modern
architecture. While having a look at the images of modernism and post modernism I
agree to the fact that there are differences between them. Even though there are
differences the general structure of the buildings are similar and follow the same form
and structure.
Nonetheless, I would want to conclude by arguing that each successful architect
does have a view on modernism, post modernism or contemporary modernism
however, they tend to have their own structure, design and personality which
determine the character of the buildings. Therefore, not all modern, post modern and
contemporary structures would look the identical.

References
DISTING BUILT. (2010) MODERN ARCHITECTURE DEFINING
CHARACTERISTICS. [Online] December 2010. Available from:
http://distinctbuild.ca/modern_architecture_defining_characteristics.php. [Accessed:
21th November 2015]
QUORA. (2013) What are the main differences of modern and post-modern architecture? [Online]
March 2013. Available from: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-main-differences-ofmodern-and-post-modern-architecture. [Accessed: 21th November 2015]

ON POSTMODERNISM. (2014) Examples of Postmodern Architecture. [Online]

November 2014. Available from: http://www.onpostmodernism.com/architecture.
[Accessed: 21th November 2015]
Otto Wagner, Modern Architecture (3rd ed., 1902), translated by Harry Francis
Mallgrave, Getty Center Publication, p. 78
Jencks, C. (1977) The Language of Post-Modern Architecture. London: Academy
Editions.

Jencks, C. (1986) What is Post-Modernism?. London: Academy Editions.

Appendices
Appendix 1.

New York by Philip Johnson constructed in 1984.

Appendix 2.

Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill built in 1963 at New Haven Yale University
Library