Ornament

Once condemned by Modernism and compared to a'crime' by Adolf Loos, ornament has made a spectacularreturn in contemporary architecture. This is typified by the worksof well-known architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, SauerbruchHutton, Farshid Moussavi Architecture and OMA. There is no doubtthat these new ornamental tendencies are inseparable frominnovations in computer technology. The proliferation ofdevelopments in design software has enabled architects toexperiment afresh with texture, colour, pattern and topology.Though inextricably linked with digital tools and culture, AntoinePicon argues that some significant traits in ornament persist fromearlier Western architectural traditions. These he defines as the'subjective' - the human interaction thatornament requires in both its production and its reception -and the political. Contrary to the message conveyed by the foundingfathers of modern architecture, traditional ornament was not meantonly for pleasure. It conveyed vital information about thedesignation of buildings as well as about the rank of their owners.As such, it participated in the expression of social values,hierarchies and order. By bringing previous traditions in ornamentunder scrutiny, Picon makes us question the political issues atstake in today's ornamental revival. What does it tell usabout present-day culture? Why are we presently so fearful ofmeaning in architecture? Could it be that by steering so vehementlyaway from symbolism, contemporary architecture is evading anyexplicit contribution to collective values?

Introduction: Architecture as Ornament? 009Chapter 1: A Problematic Return 017The Ornamental Revival in Contemporary Architecture 019Textures, Patterns and Topology: A Different Ornament 027The Subjective and the Political 047Chapter 2: Ornament and Subjectivity 059The Visage of Architecture 060The Architect, between Rules and Invention 062Artists, Craftsmen and the Fabrication of Ornament 073From Clients to Passers-By 082Industrialisation and the Ornamental Impulse 090The Ghost of Ornament 097Chapter 3: Politics of Ornament 103From Economics to Politics 103Communication and Style 106The Power of Architectural Décor 122Chapter 4: Reinventing the Meaning of Ornament 129A New Architectural Subject 129Political Uncertainties 144Meaning and Symbols 145Bibliography 157Index 163Picture Credits 167