Postmodernists Have More Fun

O.K., I admit it, when I heard the name Michael Graves I thought of kettles at Target, not great architecture (blog as confessional). At least I did before I went to Denver.  When Denver Public Library pops up on the screen you know right away that this is not your father’s central library.  The library actually looks like many buildings clustered on a large city block.   Each building in the group has its own design, color and shape - like a giant was playing with those old fashioned wooden blocks and set up the ones he liked the most on the table.  Colorful sculptures in the front plaza welcome patrons into the library - the overall result is a whimsical, human and inviting space.  This new “Michael Graves” library is actually a 1990 addition to the existing library, designed by Fisher and Fisher in 1956.  

If you read my entries about the Seattle Public Library you could not mistake my admiration of the modern design.  The architects for Seattle were devoted to determining the specific functions of the library before they created the simple form around it.  The way the building looks is a reflection of its use.  There is an honesty and integrity in the design that makes the space appealing.

The Denver Library is a different kettle of fish.  The architect, Michael Graves, is famous as a co-founder of the School of Post-Modern design which, according to Wikipedia, reintroduces “wit, ornament and reference” to architecture.  Post-modern design is a response to the stark, geometric design of modern architects who believe in authentic use of materials and lack of ornamentation.  Postmodernism uses color, variety and historical references to have fun with design and they reject the strict rules of the modern aesthetic.  How can you not get a kick out of the Eisner Building, designed by Graves, that features the seven dwarfs in place of the caryatids on ancient Greek buildings.  MJ Sunderlind explains that postmodernists “celebrates kitsch (a German term for cheap, tacky artifacts) because it is a language that everyone can understand.”

Critics of post modern design call it tacky and vulgar (the design shares elements with shopping malls for heavens sake!) and despise the ‘gee-gaws’ that clutter their surfaces needlessly.  Critics of modern design have been know to name call as well, claiming that modern design is boring and souless.  Ouch.  The difference is crystal clear when you compare the two libraries and I’ll make a wild guess that Michael Graves and Joshua Prince-Ramus would not enjoy getting together to chat about architectural design over lunch.

I hate to be so wishy-washy, but I like them both, for different reasons.  First of all, Graves wasn’t exactly starting from scratch, he was adding on t0 an existing building and respected the integrity of the old space by connecting the two buildings with a 3-story atrium that now serves as a grand entrance and focal point for visitors.  Secondly, the the interior is warm and inviting and most of it is more traditional than I expected, Graves uses natural wood and warm colors to make the space cozy.  The Gates Reading Room, on the 5th floor, is certainly not traditional but it is beautiful (a post modern Library of Congress reading room?).  Anytime a space incorporates artwork, natural light, wood trim and books it’s a winner in my book.  

Most of all the Denver Public Library has an aura of FUN - it’s not the least bit stuffy, pretentious, serious or intimidating.  It is a space that draws people in regardless of who they are - isn’t that exactly the role a library wants to play in every community?  My guess is that John Cotton Dana would be pleased.