If you’ve ever seen a concrete building with an imposing and austere appearance, chances are it’s a Brutalist building. Brutalism is a style of architecture that emerged in the 1950s and spanned several decades. While Brutalism is often associated with a sense of brutal and raw aesthetics, it is, in essence, a way of designing buildings that emphasizes function over form.

Brutalism doesn’t shy away from the qualities of the materials used, be it concrete, steel, or glass; instead, it showcases them in a powerful way. Here’s a look at what makes Brutalism special, and why it’s still relevant today.

Brutalist Buildings: Bold and Unapologetic 🏢

Brutalism is all about raw materials and emphasizing them. That means using concrete, steel, and other building materials in their pure form. The style eschews the use of superficial additions like ornamental facades and decorative brickwork in favor of the beauty of the structures’ pure architectural form. This style of architecture was embraced by many schools, libraries, and other public buildings since they were supposed to serve a functional purpose rather than to be pleasing to the eye. And if that functionality could be accentuated through the design, all the better.

Brutalist buildings stand out from the rest of the architecture in a city, often seeming out of place and uncompromising. But that’s exactly the point – to showcase the weight and gravity of architecture and make the viewer feel the same. The style’s bold, unapologetic look is what gives it its unique charm.

A Brutalist building in London standing out from the rest of the architecture

Form Follows Function: Brutalism’s Design Principle 🔨

The principle behind Brutalism is simple: form follows function. The style’s primary goal is to prioritize the function of a building over any aesthetic appeal. Brutalist buildings don’t hide their structural elements or features; instead, they make them the focus of the design. Stairs, walkways, and ventilation systems are all on display, while the use of concrete provides a sense of durability, strength, and heft. This approach emphasizes practicality over luxury and decoration, making the buildings easier to maintain in the long run.

Brutalism also utilizes block-like forms to accentuate functionality, with a focus on mass, volume and harmony. You might see a Brutalist building made up of a few simple, block-like cubes, arranged in a regular pattern. This repetition and pattern become elements of ornamentation, with the raw and straightforward forms creating a stunning visual effect.

A complex ventilation system showcased in a Brutalist building in Cambridge, UK

Brutalism: A Response to Modernism ⛩️

Brutalism was partially a reaction to modernism, which often privileged aesthetics over functional considerations. Brutalism emerged after the Second World War, when the rapid industrialization and rebuilding of cities were at hand. The style grew as a response to modernism’s preoccupation with ornamentation and decorative exteriors rather than the needs of the people who would occupy the structures.

Brutalism was also a reflection of the social climate of the time, as many Brutalist buildings were designed to be public buildings like universities, libraries, and housing. The style’s focus on the raw and functional demonstrated an ethos of social responsibility, and in turn, the buildings were seen as things of beauty and pride for society.

A Brutalist university complex against a blue sky

Conclusion 🎉

While Brutalism might have been out of fashion for its lack of ornamentation, the style is still relevant today. It is the perfect embodiment of the adage that form should follow function, and its raw, powerful aesthetics can make a bold statement in today’s architecture. It challenges the idea that architecture must look pretty above all else, and in doing so, it’s a refreshing reminder of the importance of pure design principles. So why not take a walk around your nearest Brutalist building and see how it makes you feel?

A series of Brutalist buildings along a riverbank

As you can see, Brutalism is all about raw materials and utilizing their physicality. The repetition of forms, the use of strong, unadulterated materials, and the focus on purpose over ornamentation; this style of architecture is undoubtedly beautiful and, at the same time, brutal. If you’re a fan of unapologetic aesthetic or love the functionality of a building, Brutalism might be just for you.

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Concrete building against a bright blue sky