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Difficulty: MediumPostmodern Architecture and Spatial Design

Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown's House in New Castle County combines a conventional wood-frame structure with flat, decorative facade elements, such as a mock-Classical arch screen and cartoonish columns. Which of the following theoretical concepts, outlined in the architects' influential writings, is best exemplified by this juxtaposition of standard construction and whimsical ornamentation?

  1. A
    The 'duck,' in which the structural form of the building is distorted to express its function as a literal sculptural object
  2. The 'decorated shed,' in which symbolic decoration is applied to a generic structure to communicate meaning and reference architectural historyAnswer
  3. C
    The 'machine for living in,' in which structural elements are standardized and industrial materials are left unadorned
  4. D
    The 'organic architecture' model, in which the building's form is derived directly from its natural surroundings and local geology

Answer

The concept of the 'decorated shed,' where symbolic ornament is applied to a standard structure to communicate meaning and reference architectural history.
The correct answer is the concept of the 'decorated shed.' In their theoretical writings, Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown defined a 'decorated shed' as a conventional building that relies on applied signs and decoration for its meaning. The House in New Castle County is a prime example of this philosophy, utilizing a simple wood-frame structure embellished with flat, mock-classical details to reference historical styles and connect with local vernacular barns.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key architectural details of the House in New Castle County mentioned in the stem.
The building uses a simple, conventional wood-frame structure with flat, non-structural decorative elements like a mock arch and cartoonish columns.
Understanding the physical features of the building helps link it to the correct theoretical model.
2
Recall the architectural theories of Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown.
In their writing 'Learning from Las Vegas,' they contrast the 'duck' (where the building's shape itself represents its function) with the 'decorated shed' (where a simple structure has applied signs/decorations).
This allows us to identify the specific terms used by the architects to define their Postmodern philosophy.
3
Connect the physical design of the house to the correct theoretical term.
Because the house has a basic structure adorned with historical and playful facade decoration, it exemplifies the 'decorated shed' concept.
This confirms the correct option by matching the definition to the physical evidence.

Key Concept

The Postmodern concept of the 'decorated shed' as applied by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown.
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Topics

Postmodern Architecture and Spatial Design

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