Brutalist Architecture: A Guide to Raw Aesthetics Sam, April 4, 2024April 30, 2024 The emphasis on building materials, and textures in brutalist architecture results in very expressive forms.One of the most contentious architectural movements of the modern era, brutalist architecture frequently evokes strong feelings, even hostility in some cases.Before we begin to assess the style’s characteristics and examples, it is imperative that we first know what brutalism is. Let’s take a look at an overview of brutalist architecture below.Table of Contents ToggleOverview of Brutalist Architecture. History of Brutalist Architecture. Characteristics of Brutalist Architecture. Famous Brutalist Architecture Examples. 1. Geisel Library. 2. University of Illinois-Chicago Circle Campus.3. Burnside Hall.4. Trellick Tower. 5. McLennan Library.6. Birmingham Central Library Building.7. Boston City Hall. 8. The Coventry School of Art and Design Graham Sutherland Building.9. Sirius Building. 10. Cité Radieuse. Influential Brutalist Architects. 1. Le Corbusier. 2. Alison and Peter Smithson. 3. I. M. Pei. 4. Paul Rudolph. 5. Marcel Breuer. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Brutalist Architecture.What Makes Brutalist Architecture Important? What Issue Did Brutalist Architecture Have?Who Founded Brutalism?What is Neo-Brutalism? What Distinguishes New Brutalism From Brutalism in General?Recommended PostsConclusion.Overview of Brutalist Architecture. Following World War II, the United Kingdom saw the rise of brutalism, an architectural movement that produced massive, block-like concrete buildings that lasted from the 1950s until the 1970s. It originated in England and quickly expanded to the rest of the world, emerging from the modernist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.“Brutalist design is about architecture being brutally honest, if modernism is about architecture being honest,” says Geddes Ulinskas, principal of Geddes Ulinskas Architects. In brutalism, forms are kept as simple as possible, and materials are stripped to their most basic and unprocessed state.Brutalist architecture is distinguished by its austere aesthetic and practical design. Instead of being a disguise, the buildings are frequently viewed as a celebration of the materials and building techniques employed. Using raw concrete is a hallmark of brutalism, and the unfinished appearance and coarse texture of the material are important visual elements.This architectural style is frequently connected to government and institutional structures including housing complexes, libraries, and institutions. The emphasis on the structural components of the building is one of the most remarkable aspects of brutalist architecture. The structures have a rough, incomplete look because the visible concrete and steel frames are frequently left unpainted. As a result, the buildings may appear more substantial and permanent and less like an alien invasion of the surrounding area.Although brutalist architecture may seem raw and unfinished, it is frequently the result of careful planning and close attention to detail. For instance, using concrete has practical benefits in addition to aesthetic ones.Brutalism has faced criticism recently for what is seen as its lack of aesthetic appeal and ugliness. Some contend that the concrete used in the construction is an unwise option for architectural design and that the structures are overly angular and unwelcoming.Nevertheless, some contend that the style is misinterpreted and that, in contrast to the more refined and ornamental architectural designs that predominate in many modern cities, its raw, naked aspect is really a welcome change.In our opinion at Archilinx, the latter is true. We believe the style presents a wealth of opportunities in terms of light, shadow, shape, and function, and we foresee a modern comeback soon.Now that you know what brutalism is, let’s now dive into the history of brutalist architecture.History of Brutalist Architecture. After World War II, brutalism first appeared in the UK and Europe and then expanded to other parts of the world.Throughout the 1960s, brutalism gained popularity as the simplicity of designs in the 1950s gave way to dynamism and self-assurance. It was mostly used for government initiatives, educational institutions, parking lots, recreation centers, retail establishments, and tall apartment buildings.Brutalist buildings emerged at the time as a result of several events. Following the modernist trends during that period, architects faced more difficulties in the post-war age of design, most of them being resource constraints.Furthermore, many young architects believed that modernism was merely an aesthetic language and instead, they focused on building huge structures with a functional foundation. Bittoni claims that the movement began as a rejection of ornate and showy building, emphasizing simplicity and displaying the true expression of materials.The term “brutalism” was first used in 1953 by Alison Smithson for an unfinished project for a house in Colville Place, Soho. Smithson described the house’s warehouse aesthetic of bare concrete, brick, and wood as “the first exponent of the ‘new brutalism’” in England. The term is first seen in Le Corbusier’s work from the late 1940s with the Unité d’Habitation in Marseilles.Ulinskas explains that it was Reyner Benham who made the connection between the movement and the bare concrete appearance. “Architectural brutalism was viewed as elemental, or raw art.”A common reference to the style’s origin is Le Corbusier’s working-class housing complex, Cité Radieuse, which was a component of the architect’s social housing environment, Unité d’Habitation. The 18-story, self-contained concrete building is popularly known as the source of inspiration for the brutalist ideology.The socially conscious housing options that town planners and architects marketed as contemporary “streets in the sky” became associated with brutalism. Possessing a “social utopian” mindset. It extended more widely throughout European communist nations like the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia along with the influence of constructivist architecture.In the UK, numerous brutalist structures were demolished as high-rise buildings began to be associated with social deprivation, crime, and urban ruin. As a result, brutalism became widely despised. The multi-story parking structure in Welbeck Street, London W1, which was demolished in 2019 is a prime example of this negative response. Nevertheless, deconstructivism and high-tech architecture are two examples of how succeeding styles have continued to be influenced by brutalism. It has been reevaluated critically in recent years, and some of the buildings are now considered architectural landmarks.Three Boston, Massachusetts-based architects started a rebranding initiative in 2006 with the goal of redefining brutalist architecture as heroic. The goal is to keep the original term’s connection to its scope and content while eliminating its negative connotations.Now let’s take a look at the key features of brutalism.Characteristics of Brutalist Architecture. Brutalism is a style that is associated with government buildings, high-rise apartments, parking lots, and university libraries. It is visually rough and lacks details and ornaments, appears unfinished, and is harsh.The main features of brutalism are listed below:Simple lines.Absence of decoration.Realistic perceptions.Monochromatic color scheme.Huge geometric shapes, frequently in odd forms.Use of bare, raw concrete exteriors, occasionally combined with brick.Miniature windows.Modular components.Rough, incomplete surfaces.Modern materials like steel, glass, stone, and gabions are used.We can’t talk about the characteristics of brutalism without talking about the notable buildings that applied those brutalist features, so let’s get to that below.Famous Brutalist Architecture Examples. 1. Geisel Library. Architect: William Pereira.Location: La Jolla, CaliforniaTypology: Library.Project Year: 1970.Materials: Concrete and Glass.Geisel Library.Source: Architectuul.William L. Pereira, the architect behind a number of iconic structures, is responsible for the futuristic, almost extraterrestrial style of the Geisel Library.A significant collection of Dr. Seuss books, audio recordings, drawings, and memorabilia can be found in the library, which was built in 1970 and named for La Jolla native Theodor Seuss Geisel.2. University of Illinois-Chicago Circle Campus.Architect: Walter A. Netsch.Location: Chicago, United States.Typology: Educational Institute.Project Year: 1965.Materials: Concrete, Minnesota granite, and Brick.University of Illinois-Chicago Circle Campus.Source: Explore Chicago Collections.The building’s brutalist architecture draws attention because of its breathtaking stone metaphor-dropping effect into a water pond.Even in large numbers, pedestrians have a reason for the elevated rapid pathways. The close proximity of a natural border within the student’s area further isolates it from the surrounding population.3. Burnside Hall.Architect: Marshall, Merrett, and Associates.Location: Montreal, Canada.Typology: University Campus.Project Year: 1970.Materials: Concrete slabs with a frame of reinforced concrete frame.Burnside Hall.Source: Wikidata.The thirteen-story building, which is enveloped by the Macdonald-Stewart library, Pulp and Paper research institute, and Otto Maass Chemistry building, has a concrete slab that is fixed to a reinforced concrete frame.In order to connect the scientific and engineering departments, it has an underground tunnel system. In addition, it has many entrances to promote traffic flow amongst courses. With the exception of its fenestration design, the building’s outside shell mixes in nicely with other campus buildings.4. Trellick Tower. Architect: Ernő Goldfinger.Location: London.Typology: High-rise Residential Building.Project Year: 1972.Materials: Concrete and Steel.Trellick Tower |Brutalist Architecture.Constructed in post-World War II London, the 32-story Trellick Tower was designed to offer contemporary and reasonably priced housing to those who had lost their houses in the conflict.One of Ian Fleming’s antagonists is named after the architect, whose despotism was widely recognized. When it was finished in 1972, some thought it was the ugliest building ever, yet in 1998 it was granted Grade II heritage status.5. McLennan Library.Architect: Dobush, Stewart, and Bourke.Location: McGill University, Montreal, Canada.Typology: Library/Education.Project Year: 1967-69.Materials: Steel frame clad in concrete panels.McLennan Library.Source: Images Montréal.Dedicated to Isabella McLennan, the library serves as a graduate student’s internal research book home. The massive McGill library, situated south of the contemporary portion of Redpath Hall, is a seven-story reinforced edifice.The reinforced concrete frame is joined to corresponding pre-cast concrete panels to form the outer shell. There are plenty of places to read because every floor has maximum space capacity and a central stairwell and elevator that manage heavy traffic.6. Birmingham Central Library Building.Architect: Mecanno.Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom.Typology: Library/ Theatre Concert Hall.Project Year: 2013.Materials: Concrete.Birmingham Central Library Building.Source: Wikipedia.The discovery garden is a hub of knowledge with a beautiful structural design, and the cantilevered volume shelters the entry with a large balcony.A circular courtyard that is shaded by the building’s daylighting is one of its features. Good ventilation is provided by the overlapping rotundas and interconnectivity between the floors.7. Boston City Hall. Architects: Gerhard Kallmann, Noel Mckinnell & Edward Knowles.Location: Boston.Typology: Administration Building.Project Year: 1968.Materials: Concrete.Boston City Hall.Source: Wikipedia.The brutalist architecture of Boston City Hall, a fortress-like structure that has drawn criticism from critics, was designed by three Le Corbusier admirers: Edward Knowles, Noel McKinnell, and Gerhard Kallmann.Built in 1968, the concrete building celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018 despite several critics and efforts to have it demolished.8. The Coventry School of Art and Design Graham Sutherland Building.Architect: John Smith.Location: University of Coventry, Coventry, United Kingdom.Typology: Educational Institute.Project Year: 1967.Materials: Concrete and Glass.Graham Sutherland Building.Source: Geograph.Named after Graham Sutherland, whose artwork is a central feature of the nearby Coventry Cathedral, the building was constructed for the Coventry College of Art & Design. The building is described as “… used for our design students, including; Fashion, Graphic, Art and Automotive” on the university website.The campus, a haven for art enthusiasts, is defined by a rectangle building with several pillars and mirrored windows.9. Sirius Building. Architect: Tao Gofers.Location: Sydney, Australia.Typology: Residential Building.Project Year: 1979.Materials: Concrete.Sirius Building.Source: ABC.Sitting on valuable real estate in the Rocks Area, Sirius is a famous architectural landmark in Sydney that was designed by Tao Gofers in 1979.It offers expansive views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the harbor. Following local outcry and a court ruling that reflected public opinion, plans to demolish the public housing facility were abandoned.10. Cité Radieuse. Architect: Le Corbusier.Location: Marseille, France.Typology: Residential building.Project Year: 1947-1952Materials: Concrete.Cité Radieuse.Source: Itinéraires d’Architecture.Undoubtedly, one of the most important structures to the brutalist style is the first undertaking from Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation.It is a high-rise building in Marseille that was built to house large numbers of war-displaced people. In addition to a hotel and two interior retail lanes, the building houses 337 flats.Influential Brutalist Architects. 1. Le Corbusier. Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect is one of the most prominent figures connected to this architectural movement. He is credited with helping to establish the international style of architecture and was a key player in the creation of contemporary architecture.Famous examples of brutalist architecture include Le Corbusier’s creations, like the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, the Ronchamp Chapel, and the Unité d’Habitation in Marseille.2. Alison and Peter Smithson. English architects Alison Margaret Smithson and Peter Denham Smithson collaborated to form an architectural firm. They are frequently linked to the new brutalism movement, particularly in the realm of architectural and urban philosophy.They could be considered among the pioneers of the British new brutalist movement. “An ethic, not an aesthetic,” was how they described new brutalism. By “dragging a rough poetry out of the confused and powerful forces which are at work,” the author aimed to be objective about reality and make a “brute” call to social relevance. By their work, they sought to create a connection between architecture and what they saw as post-war Britain’s modern realities.3. I. M. Pei. Architect I. M. Pei, who is Chinese-American, is highly regarded in the modern period. His portfolio is extensive and includes hotels, civic centers, universities, museums, libraries, and art facilities.He is the man behind some of the most famous buildings in the world, including the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. Pei’s architecture is distinguished by its trust in modernism and is humanized by its subtlety, poetry, and beauty. Pei has received numerous international accolades and awards, including the jury citation for the Pritzker Prize, which was given in 1983.4. Paul Rudolph. American architect Paul Marvin Rudolph was recognized for his use of reinforced concrete and intricate floor layouts. He served as the chair of Yale University’s Department of Architecture for six years.The most well-known project of his is the intricately designed brutalist concrete structure known as the Yale Art and Architecture Building (A&A Building). Regarded as an early practitioner of the Sarasota School of Architecture, he is one of the modernist architects.5. Marcel Breuer. Almost every facet of three-dimensional design, from the largest buildings to the smallest utensils, was influenced by the Hungarian-American designer Marcel Breuer. As he built a successful international firm and frequently collaborated with other designers, Breuer solidified his standing as one of the most significant modern architects.Breuer, who was a trailblazer of the international style with his use of glass and steel, was also instrumental in the rise of brutalism, a movement that has come under fire for the hedonistic, oversized forms of his projects. Breuer’s modest homes, which stand out for their deft use of conventional materials like brick and wood, counterbalanced this tendency, nevertheless.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Brutalist Architecture.What Makes Brutalist Architecture Important? Another well-known aspect of brutalist architecture is its cultural and social relevance. During a period of rapid urbanization and population increase, many of the structures were built with the intention of providing affordable homes for the increasing number of displaced people.What Issue Did Brutalist Architecture Have? After a few decades, the public’s perception of brutalism started to change. According to Bittoni, “some people found the style too austere and imposing.” This contributed to its loss in popularity along with a shifting political and economic landscape.Who Founded Brutalism? The Swiss architect and designer Le Corbusier, who helped to usher in the modern era of building, is regarded as the founder of brutalism.What is Neo-Brutalism? When a specific style is revived or reinterpreted in a modern way, the prefix “neo-“ is frequently employed. Thus, “Neo-Brutalism” can allude to a more contemporary architectural or creative trend that finds its roots in the ideas of brutalism. Here, raw materials, geometric shapes, and a focus on functionality reminiscent of brutalism may be incorporated into the creations of modern architects and artists.What Distinguishes New Brutalism From Brutalism in General? Compared to Brutalist architecture, Neo-Brutalist structures frequently have more polished and exact shapes. Recommended PostsOverview of Avant-Garde ArchitectureOverview of Expressionist ArchitectureExploring De Stijl Movement in ArchitectureOverview of Industrial ArchitectureConclusion.We hope that by now, you should know that brutalist architecture is a way to express oneself through geometry and textures, with wood, brick, and concrete serving as the main visual elements.Total0Shares Share 0 Tweet 0 Pin it 0 Share 0 Articles
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