Postmodern Western City (PWC)

• Postmodern 


  Describe the changes that took place in Western society and culture in the late 20th century.

  • Mainly art and architecture
  • Mixing of different artistic styles
  • Fortress development and edge cities are features of the PWC
• Features of the PWC (also similar to those of a world city):

  • Chaotic urban morphology - different land uses all over the city 'spatial fragmentation'
  • Unusual mix of architecture, with a move away from functional architecture to one that is more expressive
  • ↑ ethnic diversity but also social segregation
  • Globalisation of consumption > fewer shops. hotels etc
  • Edge cities and hi-tech corridors
• EXAMPLE: Las Vegas:

  • 30 story pyramid with casino and dining inside
  • Glass mall (Crystals) with no right angles
  • Beer towers ~ twin leaning towners with units inside and yellow walls