Robert Venturi (1925-2018) was an influential American architect, often considered one of the leading figures in the postmodern architectural movement. His work and theories challenged the minimalist principles of modern architecture, advocating for complexity and contradiction in design.

He was born on June 25, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended the Episcopal Academy in Merion, Pennsylvania, and later Princeton University, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in architecture in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His education at Princeton was notably influenced by his teachers, including Jean Labatut and the historian Donald Drew Egbert.

After completing his studies, Venturi worked for prominent architects such as Eero Saarinen and Louis Kahn. In 1958, he began teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, where he significantly influenced future generations of architects.
In 1964, Venturi founded his own firm, Venturi and Rauch, with John Rauch. Denise Scott Brown, who would become Venturi's wife and professional partner, joined the firm in 1967. The firm was later renamed Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates.
Venturi's work is characterized by its eclectic and playful approach to design.

Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966)

• This seminal work challenged modernist principles and advocated for a more inclusive, complex approach to architectural design.

Learning from Las Vegas (1972, co-authored with Denise Scott Brown and Steven Izenour)

• Analyzes the vernacular architecture of the Las Vegas Strip, promoting the value of popular and commercial architecture.

Iconography and Electronics Upon a Generic Architecture: A View from the Drafting Room (1996)

• A collection of essays and projects reflecting on the integration of iconography and technology in architecture.

Architecture as Signs and Systems: For a Mannerist Time (2004, co-authored with Denise Scott Brown)

• Explores the role of signs and symbols in contemporary architecture, building on Venturi's earlier theories.

A View from the Campidoglio (1972, co-authored with Denise Scott Brown)

• Discusses the role of historical context and symbolism in architectural design.

From Invention to Convention in Architecture (1982)

• Examines the transition from innovative to conventional architectural forms.

Decorated Sheds and Ducks: A Retrospective (1991)

• Reflects on the concepts introduced in "Learning from Las Vegas" and their impact on architectural practice.

Nonstraightforward Architecture: A Gentle Manifesto (1988)

• Outlines Venturi's critique of modernist simplicity and his advocacy for complexity in design.

The Obligation Toward the Difficult Whole (1982)

• Discusses the challenges and responsibilities of creating cohesive architectural compositions in a complex world.