Aesthetics and visual appeal are not the only priorities in architectural design. In the middle of the 20th century, the peak period of Le Corbusier’s innovative ideas, the French béton brut concept entered the stage, giving rise to the “brutalist architecture” tradition. This architectural style focused on function over form. Brutalist designs were performed with an emphasis on the building’s structure and materials instead of concealing them behind appealing facades.
Brutalism spread across Europe in the 1950s-1960s as a popular architectural style symbolizing strength and social ambition. Though, in fact, it was dictated by practical post-war necessities in construction, the whole brutalist philosophy emerged around this new architectural trend. Its main features included:
Let’s take a closer look at the surviving examples of brutalist architecture around the world.
The Unité d’Habitation was built in Marseille in 1952, becoming one of the first examples of Brutalism implemented in architecture. It is a massive residential complex made of concrete, equipped with innovative “streets in the sky” and next-gen communications. Made by the icon of modern architecture, Le Corbusier, this complex inspired many other architectural projects across Europe in the years to come.
This brutalist building, designed by Marcel Breuer, is located in New York. Built in 1966 for the Whitney Museum of American Art, it features bold cantilevers and massive granite forms to express the architect’s commitment to the principles of structural honesty. At present, this iconic building is home to Met Breuer.
Built in Tokyo in 1964, the Yoyogi National Gymnasium (featured image) was designed by Kenzo Tange. The building can be regarded as a Japanese reinterpretation of Brutalism. It combines the focus on structural strength typical of brutalist buildings with the authentic elegance of structural engineering typical for Japan. Its unique feature is the suspended roof system, which blends functionality and sculptural aesthetics in design.
Brutalism gave way to many modern styles and is still traceable in some architectural approaches. It served as an important historical moment in the development of architecture by marking the transition from ornamentation and visual esthetics to functionality and minimalism.
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