HofID_03-14-16_AnastassiyaProkofyeva_BrutalistArchitecture

Brutalist Architecture

Brutalism was one of the 20th century`s most controversial architecture movements. It is as well reaction on earlier avantgarde styles such as: Futurism, Constructivism, Expresionism, Post-modernism, Destructivism, etc.

Brutalism is significant for its usage of raw concrete and is often misunderstood or even disliked. Brutalism emerged in early 1950s through dissfatisfaction with existig forms of Modernism from which it wanted to diferrate but in the same time wanted to keep its heroic spirit. 

Today, we use the term Brutalism to refer to both a particular moment in post-war British architecture.

Boarder phenomen it got in 1960s and 1970s where it got almost sculptural Modernism, rendered in raw concrete. As the austerity of the 1950s gave way to the energy and renewed national self-confidence of the 1960s, Brutalism took centre stage, defining British architecture of that decade. Brutalist social housing began appearing all over Britain, with notable examples, such as Park Hill in Sheffield (1957–61) by Jack Lynn and Ivor Smith.

The movement‘s most important single influence was undoubtedly Le Corbusier‘s Unité d‘Habitation in Marseille, both in terms of aesthetics and social program.

Picture number 1:  Le Corbusier‘s Unité d‘Habitation in Marseille

Brutalism as an architectural philosophy, rather than a style, was often also associated with a socialist utopian ideology, which tended to be supported by its designers, especially Alison and Peter Smithson, near the height of  the style. Critics argue that this abstract nature of Brutalism makes the style unfriendly and uncommunicative, instead of being integrating and protective. Brutalism also is criticised as disregarding the social, historic, and architectural environment of its surroundings. 

In the recent years, many brutalist buildings all over the world are beeing demolished and replaced by more traditonally-oriented structures. 

As an example of the sad architectural faith was „Hotel Praha“ in Prague. It was built in 1981 and survived just a bit longer than 30 years. Although the building was considered an example of “Brutalism,” the prevailing architectural style of the late communist era. Many people were in favor to keep the building as an Prague heritage. Sadly, desicion has been made and the building was demolished on June 2014. 

Picture 2: Hotel Praha in Prague 

OPINION:

So, should we demolish or cherish brutalist architecture? Most people consider architecture, if they consider it at all, it is typically viewed through the aesthetic point of view. Brutalist architecture seems to have drawn a hard line between those who love it and those who hate it. Nowadays, many brutalist buildings are facing uncertain future. However, it is still part of our past and social reflection of that time, if we lose those buildings we will lose part of our history. Hopefully, new generation will find the beauty in heavy concrete "sculptures".