Post Modern Remix
The Ontario Provincial Building, which was designed conjointly by Arthur Erickson and Reginald Nalizetti in 1987 is a post modern building with extensive influence from past architectural styles. The historical quotation in this building is characteristic of the Post Modern movement which rejects the rational and minimalist aesthetic, and strict rules of the modernists.
Classical Roman and Green influences are evident in this Erickson and Nalizetti design which combines old and new. The functionality and formalised shapes of the classical movement have been adapted to create something new, eclectic and somewhat unexpected. Classical columns were originally structurally essential, however although contemporary technological advances mean that these columns are no longer necessary, this designers of this Ontario Government building have still included them in the design. The pillars create a façade which is impressive, demands attention and a focal point on the road, thus suggesting value of the building in society. The inclusion of these columns and the fact that they have been made of metal, is suggestive of the rejection of the modernist concept of material truth and minimalism.
This building seeks exuberance through arguably unnecessary size and scale (with particular reference to the columns), strong angles and use of unexpected materials teamed with references to some of the most significant and well known buildings in the classical era as well as a strong focus on aesthetics.
