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Architectural movement - New Formalism
"It is not just space - it is a kind of sculpture."
- Frank Gehry
New formalism, or neo-formalism, is a poetic movement that begins in the late 20th century, after the minimalism of Neo-modernism and abstraction of Deconstructivism, sculptural architecture brought liberation. In 1954, Edward Durrell Stone's New Delhi American Embassy, which blended the architecture of the east with modern western concepts, is considered to be the symbolic start of New Formalism architecture. Pioneering architects are Rem Koolhaas, Frank Gehry, Eric Owen Moss who dream up distinctive forms. Complex curves used to be confined to nature. But with great success software developed, architects have been adopted to three-dimensional architectural modeling. Designer's imaginations have been freed, allowing sculptural architectural to be developed.
"Common features of the New Formalism style, include:
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Use of traditionally rich materials, such as travertine, marble, and granite or man-made materials that mimic their luxurious qualities
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Buildings usually set on a podium
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Designed to achieve modern monumentality
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Embraces classical precedents, such as arches, colonnades, classical columns and entablatures
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Smooth wall surfaces
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Delicacy of details
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Formal landscape; use of pools, fountains, sculpture within a central plaza"[1]
Guggenheim Museum, Bilboa, Spain, by Gehry, 1997
In his own words: Frank Gehry commented on the rolling curves of his work, “It is not just space— it is a kind of sculpture.” Taking “the license to be outrageous and to explore is the way to get someplace.” At Bilboa, “I took the soft shapes of notch further,” he says, “almost taking shapes into a liquid state like a waterfall.” He aims for “ephemeral” form, where “you won’t be able to hold any form in your mind. It will constantly change, depending on your angle of view.”
References
"Architectural Styles in Fullerton: New Formalism". fullertonheritage.org.