What is postmodernism? The purpose of this essay is to explain how postmodernism has influenced our contemporary built environment and to explain what other movements have arisen from it. I would say that postmodernism is a worldwide movement across all arts and disciplines. A definition of postmodernism will provide a better understanding of the trend which would show how relevant it is to contemporary culture and important for the future. Postmodernism became a major movement soon after World War II, and the movement spread to Europe and North America during the early 20th century. According to Malpas, S. (2005, p.12) Postmodernism focuses on style and methods of representation, and is often interpreted as a successor to modernism. Similar to architecture, postmodernism has influenced all types of art such as: Art, music, theatre, literature, dance and even photography. In the work of Best, S. and Kellner, D. “Postmodern turn” (1997, p.152) they state that postmodern architecture was a particular reaction to aesthetics and as they describe the “philosophical presuppositions” of the International Style. This is because it is believed that the International style refused to incorporate the architectural forms of previous generations as if they were trying to break away from the past. On the contrary, Best, S. and Kellner, D. (1997, p.153) argue that postmodernism returns to the past to combine and play with different styles, embraces it for its rich symbolic and stylistic sources. In contrast to modernism, which rejects history. Postmodernists returned to the past because they believed that we should not forget our past, especially what happened during World War II. So architects believe... middle of paper... If they try to solve problems related to the shape of the building there is the possibility that some parts of the building have no function, or vice versa turn. If they try to solve the problem of a certain function in the building, then there is a possibility that the shape or construction does not have a standard form. He continues by stating: “We no longer know how to argue the precedence of form or function, we cannot deny their interdependence”. The complexity of a program has often accompanied the simplicity of form like the early Le Corbusier. The most recent explanation of simplicity in architecture are the various expansions of Mies Van der Rohe, contradictory “Less is more”. In response to Mies van der Rohe's famous proclamation, Venturi replied: “Less is boredom”. Venturi opposes the modernists' obsession with purity.