Performatism Emerges as Postmodernism's Successor in Berlin Architecture

In his article published on April 15, 2002, Raoul Eshelman presents performatism as a new cultural era that supersedes postmodernism. He contends that the characteristics of postmodernism—such as disappearing subjectivity, the virtual alteration of reality, ironic detachment, and metaphysical doubt—are no longer relevant to modern works. Using the 2001 film "Amélie" as an example, he illustrates its capacity to create emotional experiences. Eshelman also examines Berlin's architecture, mentioning structures like the Estrel Hotel, Kant Triangle, Neues Kranzler Eck Shopping Mall, Baden-Würtemberg building, Paul Löbe Building, Treptow Crematorium, Federal Chancellery, and Lemon Office Building. He points out that postmodernists criticize performatism for focusing on experiential outcomes. This article was featured in Anthropoetics No.7, Fall 2001/Winter 2002, and Eshelman is currently writing a book on the subject.