An Interpretation of Philip C. Johnson’s Architectural Designs with respect to the Continuity between “Modern” and “Postmodern”

Abstract

Philip Cortelyou Johnson stands out in different roles during the modern and postmodern architectural periods with his identities as curator, philosopher, historian and architect. During these periods, Johnson was one of the first to adopt the latest architectural movements and ideas of the architectural scene. While he was recognized as an architect who “produced consistent and meaningful contributions for people and the environment” as an advocate of modern architecture, he tried to get out of stereotypes during the period due to his “contrary” personality in the following period. This aspect led to Johnson being referred to as “Man of all seasons”. In this study, the architectural designs of Johnson, which he put forward with different understandings during the mentioned periods, were evaluated comparatively. Philip Johnson has always been open to innovations that develop during architectural periods and at this stage he has carried out his architectural designs within the framework of “innovation for innovation”. In this respect, it is aimed to discuss the architectural understanding and power of Philip Johnson, who does not have a clear and radical understanding, and to interpret it in terms of modern - postmodern continuity.

Keywords

• Modern
• Postmodern
• Architecture
• Pop Art
• Philip Johnson
• International Style

PHILIP C. JOHNSON’IN MİMARİ TASARIMLARI ÜZERİNE “MODERN” VE “POSTMODERN” SÜREKLİLİĞİ AÇISINDAN BİR YORUM

Abstract

Philip Cortelyou Johnson, Modern ve Postmodern mimari dönemleri içerisinde, küratör, felsefeci, tarihçi ve mimar kimlikleri ile farklı rollerde öne çıkmaktadır. Johnson bu dönemler içerisinde mimarlık sahnesinin en yeni mimari akım ve düşüncelerini ilk benimseyenlerden biri olmuştur. Modern mimarlığın savunucusu konumunda “İnsan ve çevre için tutarlı ve anlamlı katkılar üreten” bir mimar olarak tanınırken, ilerleyen süreç içerisinde “aykırı” kişiliği nedeniyle dönem içerisinde kalıplaşmış fikirlerin dışına çıkmaya çalışmıştır. Bu yönü Johnson’ın “Her mevsimin adamı” olarak anılmasına neden olmuştur. Bu çalışmada Johnson’ın söz konusu dönemler içerisinde farklı anlayışlarla ortaya koyduğu mimari tasarımları karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Philip Johnson mimari dönemler içerisinde gelişen yeniliklere her daim açık olmuş ve bu aşamada mimari tasarımlarını “yenilik için yenilik” çerçevesinde gerçekleştirmiştir. Bu doğrultuda net ve radikal bir anlayışa sahip olamayan Philip Johnson’ın mimari anlayışının ve gücünün tartışılması ve Modern – Postmodern sürekliliği açısından yorumlanması hedeflenmiştir.

Keywords

• Modern
• Postmodern
• Mimarlık
• Pop Sanat
• Philip Johnson
• Uluslararası üslup

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