Deconstructivism
Deconstructivism is a Postmodern architectural style characterised by the idea of fragmentation and the manipulation of a structure’s surface. Buildings adopting the style are often formed of components that have been disassembled and reassembled in a new and unorthodox way, giving the impression of a chaotic design devoid of precise logic.
It attempts to move away from the conventions of modernism that can be viewed as ‘constricting rules’, such as the notions that ‘form follows function’, ‘purity of form’, and ‘truth to materials’.
Deconstructivism in architecture was influenced by the deconstructivist theories of the French philosopher Jacques Derrida, who said that ‘architecture is nothing but one of many ways of communication’. It was also influenced by early-20th century constructivist architecture developed in Soviet Russia.
Deconstructivism developed out of the postmodern style and first gained widespread attention in 1988 with an exhibition entitled ‘Deconstructivist Architecture’ in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition featured the work of architects such as Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid. Where deconstructivism deviates from the postmodernist style in its rejection of ornament as decoration.
Other defining stylistic features include:
- Unrelated forms.
- Abstract nature.
- Smooth exterior surfaces.
- Contrast of shapes and forms.
- Large expanses of a single material (glass, metals, masonry, etc.).
- Window frames often hidden in the walls.
- Simple metal frame doors.
- Exposed materials.
The rise in prominence of computer-aided design (CAD) in contemporary architecture was a key factor in the development of deconstructivism, as three-dimensional modeling enabled the intricate design of complicated and unorthodox shapes and spaces.
Despite seeking to distance himself from the label, one of the most prominent architects associated with the style is Frank Gehry, whose Santa Monica residence – the building for which he first received critical acclaim – is regarded as the prototypical deconstructivist building, as well as his later buildings the Guggenheim Museum and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Other architects who have been identified with the style are Zaha Hadid, Peter Eisenman, Rem Koolhaas, and Daniel Libeskind.
The most notable examples of deconstructivism are:
- CCTV Headquarters, Beijing.
- Dancing House, Prague.
- Imperial War Museum, Manchester.
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.
- Jewish Museum, Berlin.
- Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural styles.
- Art Deco.
- Art Moderne.
- Art Nouveau.
- Bauhaus.
- BEST Products showrooms.
- Blobitecture.
- Brutalism.
- Chinese brutalism.
- Computer aided design (CAD).
- Concept architectural design.
- Constructivist architecture.
- Dancing House, Prague.
- Frank Gehry.
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.
- High-tech architecture.
- Italian brutalism.
- Metabolism.
- Peter Eisenman.
- Parametricism.
- Postmodern architecture.
- Spomeniks.
- Walt Disney Concert Hall.
- Zaha Hadid.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.