Why Was Brutalist Architecture Popular
Brutalist architecture, also known as structural expressionism, rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, and then, finally, petered out in the 1970s. The movement’s aesthetic favored simple, block-like forms that often reflected an unfinished, concrete look and feel. Even though its popularity has waned, many modern designers and architects continue to embrace certain aspects of the style. So why, then, did Brutalist architecture become so popular?
It’s important to remember that Brutalist architecture was born out of the Modernist movement and holds several similarities with Minimalism. Much like Minimalism, Brutalists were obsessed with form, texture, and color. That said, they tended to choose warmer tones, richer textures, and more angular shapes to create structures that felt both inviting and modern. Additionally, their use of traditional materials like wood, stone, and concrete helped to deliver a sense of craftsmanship to their buildings.
Brutalists placed a large emphasis on the functional aspect of the design, favoring a functional rather than an ornamental aesthetic. This made the style incredibly practical, as the designers often utilized basic shapes and materials to create structures that were efficient and sturdy. This was also an important factor in its popularity, as the demand for larger, multi-story buildings for commercial, domestic, and public purposes was growing rapidly.
The aesthetics of Brutalist architecture also drew in many people. As mentioned earlier, many of the buildings featured warm tones, which made them alluring to prospective buyers and tenants. But beyond this, the angular, block-like facade of the buildings also had a certain appeal, as they were able to stand out among the dull and sterile structures of the time. This competitive edge often allowed Brutalist buildings to command higher prices and fetch larger audiences.
As with any style, there were some drawbacks to Brutalist architecture. For one thing, the style often featured an industrial aesthetic, which made it less appealing to some. Additionally, critics have argued that the movement’s heavy emphasis on form over function often led to severe structural issues. And despite its popularity, the style has seen a significant decline in recent years due to a myriad of other factors.
Modern Expressionism
Though Brutalism is no longer as popular as it once was, many modern designers and architects are still drawn to the style, albeit in a much subtler way. For starters, the use of basic shapes and materials is still prevalent in many modern structures. Additionally, many of the materials used in Brutalist buildings (namely concrete and stone) have become fashionable in the modern era, as they often require minimal upkeep while also providing a sturdy foundation.
Another nuance of Brutalist architecture that has become popular in certain aspects of modern design is an emphasis on texture. While Brutalists often relied on practical materials, they had an affinity for the art of textural play, often layering different materials to create the desired effect. Today, modern designers have adopted this technique in order to create structures that are both visually appealing and structurally sound.
Modern Brutalists have also embraced the idea of unorthodox shape and form to create unique structures. By utilizing block-like shapes and angular grooves, modern architects are able to create buildings that are one-of-a-kind and instantly recognizable. This type of expressionism is often used in apartment complexes and urban structures, as it allows them to stand out among the sea of other buildings.
In addition to all of these modern developments, Brutalism’s underlying philosophy still holds true. The movement’s main tenets revolve around function, form, texture, and color, and modern designers are still embracing these themes when crafting their projects. Despite its waning popularity, the spirit of Brutalism still lives on in the designs of today.
Social Implications
It’s important to remember that Brutalism had more than just an aesthetic impact on the world. During its heyday, the style was used to create inexpensive and timely housing for the lower class, allowing them to have access to modern luxuries like expansive balconies and recreational areas. This provided a much-needed remedy for the working class, as many had been living in cramped and dilapidated apartments prior to this. The style was also used to create safe public spaces, such as libraries, parks, and museums, that were both functional and modern.
In addition to providing practical solutions, Brutalism also acted as a form of social protest. The style’s intimidating and often imposing features were meant to be a symbol of defiance against the dominant eras of their time. Brutalists were also eager to explore themes of poverty and oppression in their work, making their structures a powerful medium for conveying a message of social justice. This, in turn, resonated with certain portions of the population and helped to solidify the style’s place in the public conscience.
Finally, Brutalism had a major impact on the architecture world itself. By introducing a new aesthetic that favored simplicity, functionality, and texture, Brutalists helped to inspire a new generation of architects and designers who moved away from ornamental styles and towards more practical solutions. This shift in architectural thinking was largely responsible for the emergence of other popular design schools, such as the Bauhaus in Germany and the Memphis School in Italy.
The Decline of Brutalism
It’s true that Brutalist architecture had a major impact on the 20th century. However, it eventually faded from the limelight as other movements, such as postmodernism and deconstructivism, began to dominate the scene. Many of the materials used in finishing Brutalist buildings were also becoming more expensive, making them an impractical choice for new projects. Additionally, modern architects were beginning to move away from the idea of “functional over form”, preferring to incorporate more ornamental features into their designs.
In recent years, the style has also received a fair amount of criticism due to its intimidating and often oppressive aesthetic. Its connotations of poverty, oppression, and even dictatorship have made Brutalism an unpopular choice for many. That said, some archivists have become ardent supporters of the style in hopes of preserving its legacy for future generations.
Brutalism in Pop Culture
Despite its downfall, Brutalism continues to have a presence in pop culture. Its imposing shapes and angular features have made it a popular choice for movie sets, and the style’s connections to poverty and oppression have found their way into art, books, and cinema. It has even been featured in video games, as certain developers have chosen to incorporate its textures and sizes into the virtual world.
Additionally, the style has been embraced by modern musicians, photographers, and even fashion designers. By taking cues from the movement’s use of basic shapes and materials, they are able to create unique pieces that embrace the spirit of Brutalism. The movement’s influence can even be seen in modern home design, as many homeowners opt for geometric pieces and dark colors that draw heavily on the style’s aesthetics.
At the end of the day, Brutalism was more than just an aesthetic. It was an embodiment of a mindset and an ambitious attempt to create something that was both functional and innovative. As time goes on, its influence is likely to become more and more apparent, as its underlying ideals have become a major cornerstones of modern design.
Brutalism and the Environment
Many proponents of Brutalism have applauded the style for its use of eco-friendly materials, such as recycled concrete and reclaimed wood. By utilizing these materials, Brutalists were able to create structures that not only had a striking aesthetic, but also had a positive effect on the environment. This had a major impact on the movement’s appeal and is likely one of the reasons why it was so popular.
Brutalists also favored sustainable design principles, opting for staircases and elevators that could reduce energy consumption and lessen the strain on the environment. Additionally, the style often incorporated principles of natural ventilation, allowing designers to create projects that were both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious.
More recently, Brutalism has been embraced as a style that is friendly to the environment. Rather than having to demolish old structures to make room for new, modern projects, Brutalists often opt to refurbish existing buildings. This not only preserves the environment, but also keeps the original structure intact while still allowing it to be remodeled.
The Rebirth of Brutalist Architecture
Despite its mixed reputation, Brutalism is beginning to make a comeback in certain circles. The renewed interest in the style is due, in part, to its connection to modernism and minimalism. This allows Brutalists to keep up with the trends while still maintaining their distinct aesthetic. Its newfound popularity has also led to the emergence of modern Brutalists, who are using the style’s basic principles to create structures that are inviting and progressive.
The rebirth of Brutalism has also been credited with a resurgence of interest in mid-century architecture. By reclaiming the style’s unrefined textures and angular shapes, modern designers are able to craft something that is both pleasing to the eye and reflective of the era in which it was created. Additionally, the style’s ongoing popularity has prompted new conversations about its potential as a tool for creating sustainable, efficient designs.
At the end of the day, the appeal of Brutalism lies in its ability to create unique structures that both stand out and fit in with the rest of the architecture world. Its use of basic shapes, materials, and textures has allowed it to remain relevant even in the wake of other movements, proving that its influence on modern design is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
