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neo-traditionalism

Architecture after 1980 that imitates historic ornamental styles literally, sometimes in a more abstract way.

Neo-traditionalism is an offshoot of postmodern architecture that embraces postmodernism's revival of traditional architectural ornament and forms, but instead of interpreting the older styles playfully or jokingly it aims to recapture the antique sense that those styles evoke.

Although neo-traditionalism is more literal than postmodernism in its use of historical building and ornamental devices (e.g. arches, columns, balustrades, decorative features, etc.), it can also be abstract or minimal in its use of those devices, especially when built on a tight budget. Therefore a neo-traditionalist building might have the simplicity of a modern building with just a few flourishes of older styles to give a sense of tradition.

Approximate dates: 1980 to the present

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