1925 -
Robert Venturi is an American postmodern architect who attended Princeton University. After receiving his master's in 1950, he began working with several famous architects including Louis Kahn. By 1964, Venturi had co-established his own firm.
Prior to 1964, however, Venturi began receiving acclaim for fine works like the Vanna Venturi House which he worked on from 1959 to 1963. The house was designed for his mother. He also began a controversial trend with his Guild House in 1965. This project features a complex plan, but a simple view. It was even accompanied by an experimental and historical meaning. Later on, Venturi would incorporate much more historical meaning into his work. All of these features are contrary to the functionalist beliefs dominant during the time.
In 1966, Venturi published an important book titled Complexity and Contradiction in Modern Architecture. In it he rejects the existing modern style (functionalism) and encourages decoration and symbolism. Being that it went against "modern law", it sprung strong debates among architects internationally proved to be that influential in society.
A year later, while teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, Venturi met and married Denise Scott Brown, which began a life-long collaboration in architectural style. Soon their thoughts would be published, along with coauthor Steven Izenour, in a book called Learning From Las Vegas. In this book the three describe the importance of commercial architecture and popular culture as it applies to modern architecture as a whole.
During the 1970's and 1980's, Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates (their new law firm), designed many buildings much of them still controversial and now featuring an historical presence. Examples include:
Franklin Court in Independence National Historical Park of Philadelphia completed in 1976.
Allen Memorial Art Museum in Oberlin, Ohio was renovated in 1976.
Gordon Wu Hall was an addition to Princeton University in 1983
Sainsbury Wing, his most controversial work, was an addition to the National Gallery in London in 1991.
An HONORED MAN
In 1991 Venturi was honored with the Pritzker Architecture Prize which is the most honorable and prestigious architecture award. In a 1992 competition, his firm won the honor to design the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in New York City.