Brutalism

The last decade we’ve seen a growing interest in brutalism. Brutalism is no longer only a post war design and no longer is confined to buildings made in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. I’m about to explore are different kinds of brutalism, even predating the war but also long after the era we now call brutalism. I’m trying to explore the interest we see growing, but also how the building are becoming icons in our environment, as some are being demolished and other are getting the status of monuments.

What is it about people and Brutalism?

Brutalism is a style of architecture that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by its use of raw, unrefined materials such as exposed concrete, brick, and steel. The style is often associated with a rough, stark appearance and a lack of ornamentation. It emphasizes the expression of structure and function, with buildings often appearing as massive, block-like forms.

Exposed concrete, shadowing people

Brutalism is a style of architecture that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by its use of raw, unrefined materials such as exposed concrete, brick, and steel. The style is often associated with a rough, stark appearance and a lack of ornamentation. It emphasizes the expression of structure and function, with buildings often appearing as massive, block-like forms.

The term "brutalism" comes from the French term "béton brut”. This reflects the style's emphasis on the use of concrete as a primary material. Brutalist buildings are typically designed to be functional, practical, and economical. They often feature large, open interior spaces and have a sense of monumentality, with a strong visual presence.

Brutalism was influenced by the modernist movement in architecture, which sought to create buildings that were functional, affordable, and accessible to the masses. Therefor this type of architecture was often used for public buildings such as government offices, universities, and cultural centers, as well as for housing projects. It fell out of favor in the 1970s as people began to criticize its stark, imposing appearance and its association with urban decay. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in brutalist architecture, with many of these buildings being seen as iconic examples of modernist design.