What architectural movement emphasizes a return to humanistic expression against the international style's excesses?

Postmodernism is the architectural movement that emphasizes a return to humanistic expression in contrast to the rigidity and minimalism of the International Style. Emerging in the late 20th century, Postmodernism reacted against the perceived sterility and impersonal nature of modernist principles, including the International Style, which prioritized function, standardization, and lack of ornamentation.

Postmodernist architects sought to reintroduce historical references, ornamentation, and local context into their designs, fostering a sense of identity and emotional resonance in architecture. This movement aimed to create spaces that were more relatable and meaningful to individuals, diverging from the one-size-fits-all approach of the International Style. By valuing diversity, color, and whimsy, Postmodernism celebrated the human experience, making it distinctively different from the strict formalism of modernist architecture.

The other choices illustrate architectural styles or movements that do not primarily focus on this humanistic return. For instance, the International Style is characterized by its emphasis on functionalism and simplicity, while Critical Regionalism seeks to balance modern considerations with regional context, yet does not adhere to the more playful, eclectic aesthetics of Postmodernism. Deconstruction, on the other hand, focuses on fragmentation and challenges traditional structures