Concrete Giants: The Rise of Brutalist Architecture

Written by Aarna Bhosale

One of the most contested architectural movements in history is brutalism. Rising proportions, profound aesthetics, and a raw, stark appearance are some characteristics that set brutalism apart, with concrete used as a primary material in this style. After the Second World War, this unique school of architecture evolved, in an effort to rebuild the wrecked structures and implement economical building methods. Modern architecture and urban planning have been profoundly impacted by brutalism, despite its numerous critics and debates. 

The term “Brutalism” is derived from the French phrase “béton brut,” meaning “raw concrete.” This expression was first coined by a French-Swiss architect, Le Corbusier, who introduced the use of raw concrete through one of his first brutalist projects, Unite d’Habitation. 

Bold Aesthetics

Brutalism was essentially a protest against the pre-war styles of Beaux-Arts and the Modernist trend towards sleek, glass-walled buildings. It introduced inexpensive public facilities and utilitarian housing as a response to the post-war bomb-ravaged cities. The architects of this new era aimed to incorporate the societal goals of equality, transparency, and practicality into architecture. 

Brutalist buildings are characterized by their imposing, usually fortified exteriors. Their significant use of unfinished concrete and geometric forms exudes an air of dominance and intimidation.

The primary building material of brutalism is concrete, however, these structures also commonly incorporate brick and glass. The brutalist architects emphasized the authenticity of construction by deliberately showcasing the textures and materials on the building's unpolished surfaces, in contrast to the pompous and glossy surfaces of modernist buildings. These structures are typically large, robust, and monolithic, and their massive, block-like appearance gives them an air of strength. These enormous brutalist elements usually appear in structures such as universities, government buildings, institutions, etc., giving off an air of power and domination.  Functionalism was at the root of Brutalism, with utility being prioritized over aesthetics. Every element of the building served a specific purpose, without any additional decorative or extravagant components. Brutalist urban planning placed a strong emphasis on residential neighborhoods and public spaces. An essential component of brutalism was a transparent presentation of the building materials and techniques used. The building's exposed beams, columns, and even the imprints made by wood slabs and molds on the concrete achieved this.  This was done as a celebration of the construction process rather than concealing it.

Brutalist structures were seen as an effort to revitalize the dying and decaying parts of war-stricken cities like London and New York, where many urban renewal projects for public housing and civic centers—like libraries and universities—were taken up. These structures represented civic pride and identity in the post-war era, which was a greater aim than mere functionalism.

Brutalism: Rise, Fall, and Revival

Brutalist structures are often used in films, television series, and even novels as important cinematic elements and backdrops to illustrate dystopian, futuristic, and authoritarian themes. A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Tenebrae (1982) are two well-known television examples. Brutalism is also prevalent in literature, as shown in books like 1984 and The Hunger Games.

While Le Corbusier was the one who first popularized the concept of exposed concrete and unpolished surfaces in architecture, British architects Alison and Peter Smithson are credited with effectively defining and popularizing brutalism. Their writings and designs of Hunstanton School and Robin Hood Gardens contributed immensely to this school of architecture. The Hunstanton School was one of the first designs which starkly deviated from traditional school designs, with its exposed brick components and bold steel frame. It became one of the most revered designs in brutalism with its principle of making the structure itself the aesthetic. 

Other well-known Brutalist architects are Paul Rudolph, whose work at Yale University's Art and Architecture Building personifies the movement's fixation with the potential of bare concrete, and Erno Goldfinger, who created the London landmark Trellick Tower. Rudolph expanded on the materials potential of building strong and indestructible structures.

Diverse regions have given diverse interpretations and applications of brutalism. Soviet and political philosophies had a strong influence on Eastern Europe, leading to the development of massive, authoritarian regimes. In Asia, architects incorporated Brutalist elements into their own cultural designs. One of the most revered examples of this would be Japanese architect Kenzo Tange who blended the harshness of Brutalism and traditional elements of Japanese architecture. 

Eventually, the relationship between Brutalism and large, bureaucratic buildings—especially in context of public housing—contributed to the downfall of the movement. Widespread criticism and poor public perception that these structures were cold, uninviting and alienating, combined with negligent maintenance led to an overall negative image of this form of architecture. By the 1970s, the stark and monolithic aesthetics of Brutalism were out of fashion, which led to many of these structures being left to deteriorate or be demolished. 

A major criticism of brutalism is that it is not sustainable because of its heavy reliance on concrete, which has a large carbon footprint. In an effort to disprove this notion, modern architects have attempted to recycle and preserve brutalist buildings. There is now a reduced need to demolish ancient brutalist buildings because  many of them have been reinforced and repurposed into art galleries, museums, libraries, and other spaces.

Despite its abrupt demise in the later half of the 20th century, brutalism left behind an intricate legacy. In recent years, modern architects have begun to build on this legacy and revive brutalism in the building industry. Through a variety of venues, including online forums, photography exhibitions, academic lectures, and architectural study, there has been a resurgence of interest in the form of brutalism due to its identification as a symbol of post-war ambition, resolve, and livelihood.