Finding Inspiration in Brutalist Architecture: Facets & Patterns

Charlotte Wensley
Jun 19, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Dec 2

In developing compositions for my ‘Departure Series’, a sense of gravity and solidity began to emerge, which prompted me to reflect on how historic exposure to British Brutalist architecture in the early 90’s has resurfaced to recently infuse this body of work.

Brutalist concrete building in black and white photo — Influences - Brutalist Architecture

Brutalism emerged as an architectural movement in the 1950s, during the transformative post-war era, a time marked by significant social, economic, and cultural shifts. This architectural style is instantly recognisable for its solid concrete buildings, which often feature bold and unflinching facades that convey a sense of strength and permanence.

The hulking forms typical of Brutalist structures evoke a powerful presence, often dominating the landscapes in which they are situated. These buildings are characterised by their simple graphic lines, which eschew unnecessary ornamentation in favour of a more utilitarian aesthetic that reflects the ideals of functionality and honesty in materials.

Concrete building with geometric protrusions against clear blue sky. Shadows create patterns, adding depth and contrast to the modern structure.

The origins of Brutalism can be traced back to the principles laid out by modernist architects such as Le Corbusier, whose work emphasized the use of raw concrete, or 'béton brut,' from which the term 'Brutalism' is derived.

Abstract apartment complex with stacked concrete units, greenery on terraces. Blue sky and a few clouds in the background, green lawn below.

This movement sought to address the needs of a society recovering from the devastation of World War II, offering an architectural response that was both practical and visionary. Architects embraced the notion that buildings should serve the community, leading to the design of public housing, schools, and cultural institutions that were not only functional but also aimed to foster a sense of belonging and accessibility.

Facade of a building with a repetitive geometric pattern of gray and white rectangular blocks, creating a modern, abstract appearance.

Brutalist architecture often features a distinctive interplay of light and shadow, with deep-set windows and overhanging structures that create dynamic visual effects. The rough textures of the concrete surfaces, sometimes left unfinished, contribute to the aesthetic of honesty and rawness that defines the style.

This approach to design reflects a broader philosophical stance that values authenticity over superficiality, inviting viewers to appreciate the materials and construction methods employed in the buildings.

Throughout the decades, Brutalism has garnered both admiration and criticism. Proponents argue that its boldness and commitment to social purpose make it a vital part of architectural heritage, while detractors often view it as cold and uninviting.

Despite these differing perspectives, Brutalism has left an indelible mark on urban landscapes around the world, with iconic examples such as the Boston City Hall, the National Theatre in London, and the Barbican Centre, each showcasing the movement's signature characteristics.

Urban landscape featuring modern buildings, a concrete walkway, and a canal with green water. Overcast sky and minimal plant life visible.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Brutalism, with many advocating for the preservation of these structures as important cultural artifacts. This renewed appreciation reflects a growing recognition of the movement’s historical significance and its influence on contemporary architectural practices. As cities continue to evolve, Brutalist buildings stand as a testament to a unique era in architectural history, representing a bold vision of how space can be shaped to meet the needs of society.

It became the accepted style for British public sector building in the 60s and 70s due to its popularity with urban planners as a futuristic signal of post-war progress. High rise buildings were seen to be cost effective and economical to build, and were encouraged to dominate the periphery of UK cities as planners rushed to increase housing density in greenfield sites.

| My First Encounter With Brutalist Architecture

My first encounter with Brutalism came about in early adulthood when, at the age of 20, I left the rural environs of North Yorkshire and the medieval city of York and went to live and study in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, an industrial city in the North of England. This dramatic change in physical environment brought with it experiences that were two-fold, visual and experiential.

I found myself living in a public housing tower block set in a concrete jungle where nature was suddenly reduced to an occasional undernourished tree and scattered patches of worn and struggling grass. The stark contrast to places I had lived previously, where greenery filled one’s field of vision, was powerful and on reflection, shocking to me. This visual shift felt quite literally brutal.

Yet looking back I see that there was an almost offensive beauty in the towering concrete structures that dominated the skyline. This dramatic new landscape, carried with it a sense of foreboding with immense and solid structures contrasting heavily with weak blue skies and wispy scudding clouds. The enormity of these massive structures intrinsically minimised human inhabitants both physically and emotionally.

| Echoes of Brutalist Architecture Surface In My Departure Series

In my ‘Departure Series’ I have found myself allowing the presence of solidity and gravity through the incorporation of large, clearly described forms. Encouraging contrast between a singular form and the background helps me to convey a feeling of density and dominance. Any sense of foreboding is tempered through the visual security of readable pattern and playful shapes, with depth in layers that enables a positive and engaging distraction from the shadows.

To post war planners, construction in concrete was vaunted as being long-lasting and indestructible, it seems that the physical manifestation of this vision is met equally with emotional impact and resonance for human inhabitants.