When and where was philip cortelyou johnson born?

1906, Cleveland, United States of America

Philip Johnson is renowned for designing buildings in both Modern and Postmodern styles. Which of the following is a prime example of his Postmodern work?

550 Madison Avenue (AT&T Building)

First Director of the Architecture Department

Born: July 8, 1906, Cleveland, Ohio.
Johnson came from a privileged background, with his father being a successful lawyer. This financial stability would later allow him to pursue ambitious projects and support the arts.
He attended Harvard University, initially focusing on Greek, philology, history, and philosophy rather than architecture directly.
Early struggles with stuttering led him to explore visual and spatial forms as a means of expression.

First Director of Architecture: In 1930, Johnson became the first director of the Department of Architecture at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
International Style: He played a pivotal role in popularizing modern architecture in America, organizing influential exhibitions like “Modern Architecture: International Exhibition” in 1932 with Henry-Russell Hitchcock. This exhibition codified the "International Style."
He facilitated visits from European architectural giants such as Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier.
Controversial Period: The mid-1930s saw a disturbing turn in Johnson’s political views. He became an admirer of Adolf Hitler, writing favorably about Nazi Germany and expressing antisemitic sentiments. This period remains a dark chapter in his biography.

Renunciation and Return: With the outbreak of World War II, Johnson abruptly abandoned his pro-fascist views and dedicated himself to anti-Fascist activities.
The Glass House (1949): This iconic structure in New Canaan, Connecticut, is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture. It embodies minimalist principles and transparency, becoming Johnson’s signature work.
The Glass House was heavily influenced by Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House but represented Johnson’s unique interpretation of the modernist aesthetic.

Shift to Postmodernism: In the 1970s, Johnson embraced postmodern architecture, moving away from the strict functionalism of modernism.
AT&T Building (now Sony Tower): Designed in 1984, this skyscraper in New York City with its Chippendale-style broken pediment was a landmark example of early postmodern design. It challenged conventional skyscraper aesthetics.
Other notable works include 190 South La Salle Street in Chicago and the Sculpture Garden at MoMA.
Prolific Output: Johnson continued to design buildings throughout his life, leaving a significant mark on skylines across the United States and internationally.

Key Influences: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was a major influence, shaping Johnson’s early modernist style. He also drew inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright and the classical tradition.
Awards & Recognition: Johnson received numerous accolades, including the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal (1978) and the first Pritzker Architecture Prize (1979).
Historical Significance: Philip Johnson was a pivotal figure in 20th-century architecture. He not only popularized modernism but also helped pioneer postmodernism, leaving an enduring legacy of innovative and often controversial designs.
His work continues to be studied and debated by architects and scholars today.