Revisiting ‘Brutalist’ Architecture | Yojana Dec 2022

Chapter 5: Revisiting ‘Brutalist’ Architecture

Introduction

Brutalist architecture was the offspring of a school of thought that, in accordance with its own interpretation, sought to rid structures of their pointless intricacies, embellishments, extraneous decorations, and coverings by using a variety of concealing materials and finishes that hid the building's fundamental structure and character. This is acknowledged as a distinct branch of modern architecture.
This avant-garde movement, which had its start about 1950, asserted and practised architecture as strong, straightforward, undisguised, and even a little threatening in its imposing and austere presence.
This is recognised as a particular branch of modern architecture. The term "brutalism" refers not to the style's harsh aesthetics but rather to the widespread use of plain and reinforced concrete in the construction of such structures.
The development of brutalist architecture can be attributed to the post-World War II rehabilitation of British society.

The construction of brutalist structures is characterised by a kind of volumetric minimalism that purposefully emphasises the structural features and raw building materials over false decorative design manipulations.