Consumerism in Architecture with Emphasis on Popular Architecture Semiotics

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate consumerism in architecture with emphasis on popular architecture semiotics.Popular architecture is a kind of architecture that is highly accepted by people and criticized by architects which has been prevalent in recent decades. The questions of this research seek to investigate the reasons for tendencies towards popular architecture and consider the reasons why consumerism is prevalent in architecture. The research method is descriptive and analytical, semiotics, scrolling and Delphi. Statistical samples of this research were selected from Qazvin city. The results show that in the popular architecture facades we are witnessing the phenomenon of acculturation, namely the use of signs outside the temporal and spatial orbit of their cultural system. Symbols of classical architecture are represented in the facades of popular architecture. These representations are pretentious or non-original versions in which the signs are devoid of meaning.These facades represent the differentiation and recognition of the individual from other social groups. The affluent class uses classical architectural signs to distinguish itself from the others and to display its high status by introducing itself as a prestigious architecture. The lower classes try to imitate this kind of architecture to solidify and reduce the gap with the upper classes. Therefore, this type of architecture is widespread throughout the community and becomes a consumer commodity.And finally the most important factors that drive people to popular architecture are the selective reading of history, having familiar motifs, splendor, magnificence, and being Reminders and pointers, and luxurious.

Keywords

• architecture
• popular
• postmodernism
• semiotics
• consumer society