I just got my hands on a seriously cool book – “Postmodern Architecture: Less is a Bore,” curated by Owen Hopkins, and I’m here to share the good vibes.
As one of the 20th century’s most controversial styles, critics call it too commercial, cheeky, overly embellished, and just plain bad design. Others can’t help but adore the fearless spirit. Hopkins, however, isn’t here for the haters. He’s championing postmodernism as more than a blip in architectural history. It’s a major player.
This isn’t a “greatest hits” compilation. Hopkins gives a shoutout to the unsung heroes, the one-hit wonders, and the shoulda-coulda-beens of the movement, spanning from its ’70s and ’80s heyday to the present moment. From the wacky to the wonderful, each project stands as a testament to postmodernism’s public appeal and its historical, creative, and cultural relevance.
The book digs deep into the brains of those non-conformists who dared to look at a straight line and decide, “this is not working for me.” Icons like Michael Graves and Robert Venturi — the guy who looked the modernists in the eye and proclaimed, “Less is a bore.” And let’s be real, he had a point.
(Above) – PPG Place 1983, Pittsburgh, PA.
What stands out in”Less is a Bore” are its 200 stunning images of post-modern architecture from around the world—showcasing renowned landmarks, private residences, and civic structures.
Another stand out for me is Hopkins’ admiration for the avant-garde collection of showrooms for the American retailer Best Products, designed by SITE. I am working on an upcoming post featuring these memorable buildings. Stay with me, it’s coming.
“Less is a Bore” isn’t just eye candy. It also includes quotes from various architects, critics, and cultural figures like Andy Warhol and David Byrne, voices that either helped shape postmodernism or offered inspiration. In an interview, Hopkins said, “These quotations provide both context and counterpoint. Some are more condemnatory than complimentary, which is fitting for a movement that revels in provocation…”
(Below) – The Arquitectonica, Atlantis 1982 – Miami luxury apartment building. Remember this building from the opening credits of the ’80s television series Miami Vice.
(Below right) – Home of architect Charles Moore, Austin, TX. (Below left) – Kindergarten Wolfartsweier, Karisruhe, Germany.
The book is an excellent narrative that champions the unorthodox aesthetics of the postmodern architecture movement. So there you have it. “Postmodernism: Less Is A Bore” is a striking-looking book that isn’t just for architecture buffs but for anyone interested in this cultural movement. It’s absolutely worth taking a look at. I’m thrilled I’ve added a copy to my collection, also I’ve listed online sites where copies are still available below.
Where to Buy:
Abe Books $16 used – $34 new
Amazon $40.00
Phaidon Books $50.00
Photo Credit: Phaidon Books
1 Comment
modernpaperhouses
March 4, 2025 at 9:30 amLove this post! Just testing the new comment setup.