Postmodernism

[|Postmodernism, or The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism]

In this work by Fredric Jameson the many different developmental stages of architecture is discussed. Jameson explains the differences between High Modernism and Post Modernism architecture. He goes in depth about John Portman's Las Angeles Bonaventura Hotel and how it is a perfect example of Post Modern Architecture. Jamesons main idea for Post Modern architecture is that a structure is defined by the city and elements surrounding it, rather than setting itself apart as a seperate object. The Bonventura Hotel is fits this description de to the highly reflective glass covering on the exterior. When observing the building from the outside one does not notice the building as much as the distorted reflection of the city surrounding. John Portman's Atlanta version of the Bonventura, is the Hyatt Regency. It is not coated with highly reflective glass, however pearched atop of this grand building is a revolving lounge where patrons can veiw an area of downtown Atlanta.

Another Idea Jameson states defines postmodernism is movement. Portman's Marriott Marquis also in Atlanta ties in closely to this idea. The building is unique because it is easy to find your way in, but once there you can be lost due to the unusually placed entrances, elavators, and corridors. "Hyperspace" as Jameson calls it, is the movement through which we travel through a building of this nature.

interior of the Mariott Marquis