The term Brutalism is often attributed as emerging from the French word ‘beton brut,’ meaning raw concrete. Many credit Swedish architect Hans Asplund for coining the term when describing Villa Göth, a brick residential building, in 1949. However, the name was popularized by British architectural critic Reyner Banham who wrote an essay in 1955 for Architectural Review called “The New Brutalism,” in which he attempted to classify and define the emerging style. Later in 1969, he’d publish a book titled New Brutalism: Ethic or Aesthetic?. “Over time, the term Brutalism became associated with the movement as a whole,” Bittoni says. British architects Alison and Peter Smithson can also be credited with the widespread use of the name. “During the 1950s, they began to use the term to describe their approach to modernism which rejected nostalgia for earlier architectural styles and tendencies to embellish structure.”
History of Brutalist Architecture
Brutalism emerged following the end of World War II, originally spanning from the United Kingdom and Europe before spreading to other parts of the world. At the time, there were multiple overlapping events and philosophies that contributed to the emergence of Brutalist structures. Spinning off the heels of the modernist movement of the day, architects were presented with a new set of challenges, namely limited resources, when designing in the post-war era. Additionally, young architects in particular felt that modernism represented little more than an aesthetic language, and sought to create structures rooted in functionalism and monumental expression. “It emerged as a rejection of decorative and ornamental architecture, instead focusing on simplicity and showcasing the honest expression of materials,” Bittoni says.
Le Corbusier’s working class housing complex, Cité Radieuse, which was part of the architect’s social housing habitat Unité d’Habitation, is often referred to as the catalyst for the style. A self-contained concrete structure, the 18-story building is often credited as sparking the inspiration behind Brutalist philosophy. “After a group of British architects established the Brutalist style, it was reinforced by an architectural writer, Reyner Benham who connected the movement with the aesthetic of raw concrete,” Ulinskas explains. “Brutalist buildings were thought of as elemental, or raw art.”
What is the philosophy of Brutalism?
“The philosophy behind Brutalist architecture is rooted in the belief that architectural design should prioritize functionality, honesty, and social purpose,” Bittoni explains. The style is often associated with socialist utopian ideas, which were regularly promoted by the buildings’ architects. Many early Brutalist buildings were affordable housing projects that sought to reimagine architecture to address modern needs. “The style often seeks to showcase the raw beauty of materials, such as concrete, while emphasizing structural elements,” he adds. “The perceived ‘darkness’ or ‘coldness’ of Brutalist buildings is often a result of the honest expression of materials and a deliberate rejection of decorative elements, reflecting the design’s focus on functionality and the socio-political context of its time.”
What was the problem with Brutalist architecture?
While Brutalism was highly popular for a few decades, over time, public opinion began to shift. “Some people found the style too austere and imposing,” Bittoni says. This, in addition to a changing economic and political environment, aided in its decline in popularity.
