Brutalism: An Unconventional Architectural Love Story

The Brutal Beginnings

Once upon a time, in the post-World War II era, there was a youthful architectural style that emerged from the ashes of destroyed buildings. This style, with an uncanny resemblance to a gray, block-shaped creature, was given the name Brutalism. The word Brutalism, contrary to popular belief, is not derived from the French word "brut," meaning raw, animalistic, and savage, but rather, from the fact that its buildings look like they've been drop-kicked into existence.

Brutalist architecture was the brainchild of Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier, whose real name was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret. Le Corbusier had an affinity for concrete, a material that was both cheap and easy to come by in post-war Europe. Like a mad scientist, he experimented with this material to create his dystopian dreamworld. And thus, Brutalism was born.

A Concrete Romance

Now, you might be wondering, "Why on earth would anyone fall in love with Brutalist architecture?" The answer to that question is quite simple, my friend. Brutalism is the architectural equivalent of an ugly dog. You know the kind - the ones that are so homely, they're adorable. Brutalist buildings are undeniably hideous, but they possess a certain charm that can only be appreciated by those with a penchant for the peculiar.

Brutalism can be found all over the globe, but some of the most famous examples can be found in the United Kingdom. The Barbican Centre in London, for instance, is a colossal concrete maze with a web of walkways, bridges, and towers. While some may argue that this behemoth scarred the face of the city, others like myself see it as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of humanity in the face of adversity.

The Dark Side of Brutalism

But not all is sunshine and rainbows in the Brutalist world. Like a troubled teenager with a dark past, Brutalism has a sinister side. Thanks to its frugality and ubiquity, the style became synonymous with government buildings, social housing projects, and other imposing institutions. This association with authority led many to view Brutalist structures as symbols of oppression and power.

Take the now-demolished Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, for example. This Brutalist labyrinth was once heralded as a utopian solution to urban decay, but after years of neglect and crime, it became a tragic symbol of failed social engineering. It's no wonder that many people look at Brutalist buildings with a skeptical eye, associating them with the failed promises of a brighter future.

A Brutalist Revival

Despite its dark history, Brutalist architecture has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Perhaps it's the nostalgia for a bygone era, or maybe it's the realization that we've reached peak glass-and-steel-skyscraper monotony. But one thing is certain: Brutalism has become the darling of the hipster architectural scene. And as with all things hipster, there are those who appreciate it ironically and those who genuinely adore it.

Today's Brutalist enthusiasts can indulge their concrete cravings by visiting iconic structures like the Habitat 67 housing complex in Montreal, or the Boston City Hall, which has been called "one of the greatest buildings of the 20th century." For the truly dedicated, there are even guided tours of Brutalist marvels, as well as social media accounts dedicated to celebrating the beauty of these unconventional structures.

Lessons from Our Concrete Comrades

So, what can we learn from this unlikely architectural love story? Perhaps the main takeaway is that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. While many may see Brutalist architecture as a blight on the landscape, others find inspiration and solace in its unapologetic rawness and imposing demeanor.

Moreover, Brutalism serves as a reminder of the importance of pragmatism and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. The architects behind these concrete behemoths were not motivated by aesthetics alone; they were driven by a desire to create functional, affordable spaces that could withstand the test of time.

So, the next time you stumble upon one of these gray giants, try to look past its coarse exterior, and appreciate the story it tells. After all, every dog - even the ugliest ones - deserves a little love.

Article kindly provided by designerviews.org