Postmodernism: contd. from home page

Postmodernism and Architecture
Submitted by: Kadence

What is postmodernism? Are the postmodern characteristics still apparent in contemporary architectural design? According to scholars, "Postmodernism, by definition resists definition". If postmodernism is then difficult to be defined, on what principles can one judge if postmodernism in architecture is in still emerging? Postmodernism in its regional/vernacular forms reflects neighborhood culture. Some argue that postmodernism is a reaction to the forces of "creative destruction." But it can be a tool for those powers as well. The end of the assembly line, created by the instant flexibility of computer technology, means that in this post-Fordist world people can all have a unique, neighborhood specific thing, as well as having the same reference.

Evaluating and categorizing architects according to styles, periods, theoretical backgrounds, and philosophical ideas, from Itkinos and Brunelleschi, to Borromini and Le Corbusier, is a very challenging process that requires a deep understanding of the key elements that influence the architects' design. What appears though to be a constant value in this type of analysis, is that the evolution of architecture, from the period of the Greek civilization (Parthenon in Athens 447-433 BC), to the present day's Santiago Calatrava's projects, signifies that the architect's pursuit for the myriad idea of beauty is actually a leitmotif of his/her past influences.

Postmodernism is differentiated from other cultural forms by its emphasis on fragmentation which replaces the alienation of the subject that characterized modernism. Postmodernism is concerned with all surface, no substance. There is a loss of the center. Postmodernist works are often characterized by a lack of depth; a flatness. Individuals are no longer anomic, because there is nothing from which one can sever ties. The liberation from the anxiety which characterized anomie may also mean liberation from every other kind of feeling as well. This is not to say that the cultural products of the postmodern era are utterly devoid of feeling, but rather that such feelings are now free-floating and impersonal. Also distinctive of the late capitalist age is postmodernism's focus on commodification and the recycling of old images and commodities.

In architecture, postmodernism, in its regional or vernacular forms, reflects neighborhood culture. In this way, it can function as a tool in class struggle and can probably be used by any player in the struggle. Thus, postmodernism when examined as a resistive force is closely linked to the historic preservationists. In trying to maintain the collective memory of a place the postmodernist agenda can be used in a way that is antithetical to the forces. Public or private partnerships that wipe out neighborhoods can use the postmodern vocabulary in their new ventures. Neighborhoods can hope to have at best just a mere palimpsest of a memory of what they were in the past.

One day perhaps, neuroscience will explain why some infrastructures seem to reach far beyond their physicaldimensions. But one does not need to wait for that explanation in order to experience their postmodern orpost-postmodern effect. It turns out that bodies, buildings, streets and cities are still useful for certain things inthe global age of digital information. People are only beginning to uncover how they work.
About Author: Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including
Arts, Family, and Travel
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Nevada: More Than Gambling

Author: G. Chadwick

Part of the appeal of Nevada is its less than perfect reputation. Las Vegas and legalized gambling is what has made Las Vegas and Nevada known worldwide. However, there is much more that visitors can do in Nevada aside from gamble. Some popular cities include Mesquite, Boulder City, Carson City and Laughlin with a number of recreational activities and excellent accommodations. If visitors are looking for a historic vacation then there are many options in North Nevada. In Southern Nevada there is also the option of visiting one of the many ghost towns left over from the early nineteen hundred silver boom. A popular attraction in Southern Nevada is the Cave Lake State Park which has a number of recreational activities such as fishing, camping and hiking.

Las Vegas is a man made attraction that has attracted thousands of people from all across the world. Las Vegas is known for their casinos and bright neon lights. There are several Clark County communities that come together to form Las Vegas including Henderson which has the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. However, you don't have to like gambling to come to Las Vegas, there are many other options including several natural outdoor recreational activities. One of these options is Lake Mead National Recreation Area which is near Boulder City and the Valley of Fire State Park. And then there is no shortage of clubs along the Las Vegas Strip that you can choose from to keep you busy all night long.

Despite the size of Las Vegas it isn't the capital of Nevada. Carson City is the capital of Nevada and is located near Reno and Lake Tahoe. Many choose to come to Carson City as a result of its close proximity to outdoor activities including many skiing and snowboarding sites in the winter. Although, like most large cities in Nevada you can still find some casinos if you want to do a little gambling while you are there.

There is no shortage of accommodation in Nevada and many of them are the hippest hotels you will find in the entire United States. Many of these hotels come with excellent service and amenities so the only hard trouble is figuring out which one you want to stay at. However, if you are looking for something a little different than the standard Las Vegas hotels you should consider the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa. This hotel isn't located along the strip, instead most rooms overlook the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation and the architecture and design is built to look like the natural wonder that it overlooks. So this makes it an excellent option for those who want outdoors in their Las Vegas vacation.

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About the Author:
Greg Chadwick owns and operates the Nevada Hotel Finder website. Please visit our website to find great deals on Nevada Hotels .