Simultaneous Double Notions: Mannerist Elements in Contemporary Architecture

There is no complete description of either the term mannerism or its associated features. Contradiction, paradox, and ambiguity may have been the terms most referential for mannerism since the 1950s, but this article poses a unification of opposites as another important feature, specific to modern and contemporary architecture. We analyse three series of works by Andrea Palladio against another three pairs of opposing concepts-absence versus presence, frontality versus foreshortening, and grid versus assemblage. An analysis of each pair of concepts using commonly accepted examples from late twentieth-century architecture, following Venturi in the way of both-and, allows us to argue how this merging of opposites in the same element, blends into, and participates in both characterisations. The pairings of opposites maintain their features, becoming simultaneous complementary characters. These mannerist characterisations are less common in current architecture, but they can, we claim, be easily detected in various recent projects.

Automated summary

The article explores the definition and characteristics of mannerism, arguing that the unification of opposites is another important feature in modern and contemporary architecture. This argument is supported through the analysis of works by Andrea Palladio and other opposing concepts. It also points out that mannerist characteristics are less common in current architecture but can be found in various recent projects.