Kitsch Architecture: A Contemporary Piece of Work

Kitsch architecture is a complex mix of ideas and elements that can be both positive and negative. It is associated with the rise of the middle class and mass-produced goods. This article explores the unique interpretation of Kitsch architecture in the modern world, including its elements, sub-styles, and criticisms.

KITSCHE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Kitsch style is useful in filling the gap and have a malicious depreciation of the art. The
Kitsch style architecture is made to intend about expressing the aesthetic quality and is of very
peculiar kind. It is a complex mix of ideas as well as elements that can be both positive and
negative from various perspectives. Such architecture is one of the defining feature present in the
development of modern world. Kitsch architecture is known to be in practice since the age of
industrialisation. The first mention for this was in 19th century and has been developing since
then with the style of the present.
MAIN BODY
Kitsch architecture is useful in providing a comfortable and direct forms of art. This form
of architecture is the way by which middle class people can show their appreciation and
understand the level of sophistication and elegant work. It is defined as having certain elements
within the building which are classically associated with the traditional architecture.
Contemporary architecture is more modern architecture which is very different from the
traditional architecture. It is more comfortable and develops a space which allows more
functionality. Unlike traditional it includes minimal decorations. Kitsch depicts the conscious
and is effortless to understand as the subject matter is evident. It is mechanical and operates by
formulas.
Kitsch is an style of architecture that is attributed towards a social phenomena such as
industrialisation and urbanisation. It leads to the rise of middle class and mass produced things.
Such architecture includes a modernised approach with the post- modernist movements within
the architecture. This is due to the timeline this architecture developed and came up within the
market. Kitsch architecture is still used within today's modern world while having more sub-
styles along with the unique interpretations that are witnessed everyday.
Kitsch architecture is associated with the mass produced goods that are cheap while lack
the tasteful ornamentation. However, this is used to describe a style of architecture that is
ironical along with being satirical. This style is aimed to bring an instant form of gratification to
its users without having been invested intellectually. It provides a comfortable approach while
having a direct interpretation regarding the higher art forms and ornamentations. With the of this
architecture, middle class individuals can show appreciation and develop the level of

understanding for being sophisticated and elegant artwork. It is inexpensive and is made in
satirical way. This architecture has become one of the most prevalent within the aesthetic styles
within the modern world.
Kitsch in architecture is described as being a part of certain elements within a building
that are associated with one another in classical way along with the traditional architecture. It has
no relation with the styles and trends. This type of architecture also includes borrowing certain
ornamental elements added in a very minimalist building. In some cases, even the replicas of
some certain famous buildings within unrelated regions means kitsch architecture. This
architecture style has received many criticisms but also appreciations for an out of the box
thinking. It allows the world to see differently than it has been before. This architecture is a
result of satisfying the feelings of a common man and make them experience the luxury with
respect to the factory produced elements that are easy to interpret. Kitsch architecture do not
require any careful perusal is successful in fulfilling the purpose.
The term kitsch architecture is combination of various styles and elements involved
within an architecture. Buildings made in the shape of daily objects such as a basket and even the
buildings with a mixture of various ornamentations comes under being termed as kitsch
architecture.
Illustration 1: Figure 1, Basket building, Longaberger Co.

The Kielder observatory which is situated in Northumberland, England. This inexpensive
building is suitable for housing two telescopes and a warm room which is suitable for scientific
research.
CONCLUSION
Kitsch architecture has been successful in corporated itself as being the contemporary
piece of work and is appreciated in everyday purpose. This architecture is a result born from the
industrialisation and urbanisation while still being used in the contemporary architecture. Such
architecture never goes out of fashion and is growing slowly while gaining more attention
towards it. It will grow with the changing times while the only aspect changing is its
interpretation.
Illustration 2: Figure 1, Kielder observatory, Barclay (2005)
Text 1: image available at: https://www.galvanizing.org.uk/case-studies/kielder-
observatory-northumberland-charles-barclay-architects/

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Wortmann, Thomas, and Bige Tunçer. "Differentiating parametric design: Digital workflows in
contemporary architecture and construction." Design Studies 52 (2017): 173-197.
Golden, Elizabeth M. Building from Tradition: Local Materials and Methods in Contemporary
Architecture. Routledge, 2017.
Ciarkowski, Błażej. "Designing utopia. Avant-garde architecture vs. processes of
modernization." Art Inquiry 19 (2017): 325-337.
Online
Charles Barclay Architects, Kielder observatory, 2021. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.galvanizing.org.uk/case-studies/kielder-observatory-northumberland-
charles-barclay-architects/>