Brutalism is a style of design and architecture that emerged in the 1950s, and it has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Characterized by its use of raw, semi-unfinished materials such as concrete, brutalist structures may appear cold and intimidating to some people, but its popularity is still growing. In this article, we look at what exactly brutalism is and why it has made a comeback. We’ll also deal with the pros and cons of brutalism and discuss the reactions of critics and supporters.
What Is Brutalism?
Brutalism is an architectural style defined by its use of raw concrete, often referred to as an ‘acquired taste’. Other materials sometimes used in brutalist structures are steel, glass, wood, and brick. Brutalist buildings are typically designed with features such as jagged angles and rigid geometries, and feature bold and often repetitive shapes and emphatic forms. Brutalist architecture typically does not include ornamentation and is often seen as austere and minimalistic. The term ‘Brutalism’ is derived from ‘Béton brut’, a French term for raw concrete, and the style was developed by a group of architects known as the Brutalist Group in the 1950s.
The History of Brutalism
Brutalism can be traced back to the 1950s, when architecture was moving away from the decorative style of the post-war years and towards a more functional and modernist style. Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier was a major figure in the emergence of this new era of functionalism in architecture, and his influence can be seen in the geometric shapes and use of concrete in brutalist buildings.
The Brutalist Group outlined the principles of their philosophy in the book ‘Toward an architecture’, which described their ideas on the use of concrete and raw materials in architecture. From this point on, brutalism started to spread across the world and it quickly became a popular style of design in Europe, as well as in North and South America.
Why Is Brutalism Making a Comeback?
In recent years, brutalism has seen a resurgence in popularity, and it has been embraced by architects and designers around the world. One of the major reasons for this comeback is that many of the trends that dominate modern design are beginning to tire. Brutalism provides a much needed break from the overly polished, sleek aesthetics of the modern era, and brings with it a sense of raw power and strength.
Furthermore, brutalist structures offer a sense of permanence and stability that is often missing in many modern structures. The unique and often intimidating shapes of brutalism have also made it a popular subject for photographers, who can convey its strength and power through their images.
The Pros and Cons of Brutalism
Like any style of design, brutalism has both its pros and cons. On the plus side, brutalism offers a sense of raw power and strength, and its use of materials such as concrete often imbues buildings with a sense of permanence and stability. Furthermore, brutalism is increasingly popular amongst photographers, who can capture its unique aesthetic in powerful images.
On the negative side, brutalist structures are often seen as cold and intimidating, and the lack of ornamentation can make them seem unwelcoming and uninviting. Furthermore, the cost of constructing a brutalist building is often very high, as the use of raw materials requires specialist equipment and building techniques.
Brutalism is a style of architecture and design that has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Characterized by its use of raw materials such as concrete, brutalist structures are typically designed with sharp angles and shapes, and often feature bold and emphatic forms. The history of brutalism can be traced back to the 1950s, and its resurgence has been attributed to its break from the overly polished style of many modern designs, as well as its popular amongst photographers. Although there are some cons to brutalism, including the cost of constructing a brutalist building, it is still an increasingly popular style of design.
