Credit: Rob Deutscher from Melbourne, Australia via Wikimedia Commons
There’s no better way to start off your week than by reading about Brutalism. Doesn’t it make you feel upbeat and ready to conquer the day? If not, we understand, however, you may have a greater appreciation and a newfound liking for it by the end of this blog post.
Brutalism and Its ‘Brutal’ Past
This depressing-sounding architectural style has an even darker past.
Per the Designing Spaces TikTok, Brutalism was first seen in the U.K. in the 1950s. WW2 bombings left European cities in shambles, however, people still needed places to live. As a result, huge residential buildings needed to be built ASAP.
The dire need for new buildings led to the usage of materials such as concrete, steel, and brick since they were cheap at the time. Combining these low-cost materials with the simple geometric shapes that came with this type of architecture was the perfect solution at the time.
@dspacestv How do you feel about Brutalism? #design #designtok #designhistory #history #decor #architecture #nostalgia #exteriordesign
Not So Brutal Facts
You’re probably wondering what can be pleasant about something that has the word “brutal” in its name. Don’t give up on Brutalism just yet, or at least hold your judgment for a few more sentences.
If you’re a fan of George Orwell’s 1984, then you’re also a fan of Brutalism. The world-renowned dystopian movie features this post-WW2 architecture in the “Ministry of Truth” building. Escape from New York and Batman Begins are two other films that follow suit.
If you’ve ever gone to a bank, court, or university, chances are that you’ve walked inside a Brutalist building before. It’s been observed that “schools, churches, libraries, theaters, and social housing projects” are also linked to the same style. These types of institutions love their Brutalism, and maybe you do as well now.
Although the sound of it may wipe the smile from your face, Brutalism was a simplistic form of architecture that helped many people when tragedy struck the world. Additionally, it has been incorporated into both the movies we watch and the buildings we drive past every day.
Word on the street is that Brutalism is making a comeback, therefore you should share our article with your friends/family to ensure they’ll be ready for the brutal revival.
