ABSTRACT
New tenements came in different guises. There are nonetheless recurrent types and stylistic themes. The traditional tenement type, a four-to-six-storey multifamily house on the block perimeter, is particularly widespread in cities with a strong infill tradition, such as Berlin, Vienna, and Copenhagen. This chapter presents four stylistic themes that are found all over Western Europe. Neo-rationalist design became popular in the 1970s and 1980s and influenced a number of stylistic derivatives. Most importantly, a postmodern functionalism became widespread as a watered-down version of neo-rationalist principles combined with the economic advantages of simple design and cheap serially produced parts. Neo-traditional architecture, which consciously copies historical forms, is related to neo-rationalist design in its concern with precedent and stylistic continuity. The chapter looks at the most common types used by inner-city residences, and finally discusses the question of local architecture and local styles in the context of new tenements.
