Architects often praise the rule ‘less is more,’ a famous phrase written by Mies van der Rohe in support of minimalism in design. This wasn’t the case for Robert Venturi. He flipped this phrase around and used ‘less is bore’ as the main philosophy in his architectural works, especially reflected in his book ‘Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture.’ It critiqued the goal that architecture should solely focus on ‘cold, glassy perfection with cold, glassy buildings.’ This idea is further explored when he classifies his work as a ‘decorated shed,’ buildings that serve their purpose with a mix of ornaments throughout.
Other, important, features and inspirations in his works are history, pop culture, Mannerist complexity, and symbolisms, which later define what Post-Modernism looks like. Venturi further emphasized the importance of signs, especially in ‘auto-mobile centric cities,’ like Las Vegas.
Later in his life, he collaborated with architect Denise Scott Brown, where they both founded Venturi, Scott Brown, and Associates. Some of their notable works together include the National Gallery in London, the Children’s Museum of Houston, and the Seattle Art Museum.
