The Resurgence of Brutalism: Crucial Insights to Understand

The Resurgence of Brutalism: Crucial Insights to Understand

Brutalist architectural style, once a topic of debate, is experiencing a revival. Once perceived as cold and stark, its raw concrete and geometric forms have found favor in cultural conversations and design trends, thanks to a resurgence sparked by factors like nostalgia-fueled social media and movies like "The Brutalist."

But this resurgence extends beyond architecture. Brutalism is influencing interior design, furniture, and home decor trends. Be it fully embracing its austere beauty or incorporating subtle elements, here's an overview of Brutalism's past, present, and future.

Architects like Walker McKinley and Trey Trahan, have shared their insights:

Characteristics of Brutalism

Brutalist architecture and design are characterized by:

1. Raw Concrete: Exposed surfaces of raw, unfinished concrete are hallmarks of Brutalist structures. Other materials, like brick, steel, or glass, are occasionally incorporated, but concrete takes center stage.
2. Geometric Forms: Brutalist buildings favor rigid, block-like shapes and exaggerated proportions that create a sense of weight and permanence.
3. Function-First Philosophy: Brutalist design prioritizes function over decoration, resulting in minimal ornamentation and an emphasis on utility.
4. Monolithic Structures: Many Brutalist buildings have a fortress-like appearance, characterized by heavy, cantilevered forms and deeply recessed windows.
5. Expressive Brutality: Unlike other minimalist styles, Brutalism does not shy away from the roughness of its materials, embracing imperfections and emphasizing texture.

History of Brutalism

Brutalism emerged in the mid-20th century as an architectural response to the need for affordable and functional buildings during the post-war era. Its name, "béton brut" or "raw concrete," was popularized by British architects, Alison and Peter Smithson, in the 1950s. Originally, Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier laid its foundation.

Brutalism flourished from the 1950s to the 1970s, and its monolithic aesthetics were showcased in public buildings, government complexes, and university campuses. Its function-over-ornamentation approach saw utilitarian materials and honest, unadorned structures prevail.

But by the 1980s, Brutalism fell out of favor. Criticized as cold and oppressive, many of its most quintessential buildings faced neglect or demolition.

However, in the 21st century, a new wave of appreciation has revived interest in Brutalist design, sparking debates about preservation and inspiring a new generation of designers to reinterpret the style's principles.

Current Popularity of Brutalism

Architect Trey Trahan highlights the shift in the current field of architecture: "Architecture is a more diverse field now and a more collaborative act. As a result, I think contemporary buildings in the Brutalist style are becoming more interesting, refined, and nuanced."

Brutalism has taken on a different cultural identity, moving beyond its historical association with urban decay and government authority.

Walker McKinley, another architect, shares that his appreciation for Brutalism stems from growing up surrounded by its structures. He points out that the explicit rejection of historical references, details, and planning - replaced by Brutalism's expressive opportunities - has always appealed to him.

Brutalism in Popular Culture

Films and television have long embraced Brutalist architecture, particularly to portray dystopian atmospheres. Modern examples include The Brutalist, which brought direct attention to the aesthetic movement, and quotes Brutalism in fashion retailing by the likes of YSL, Gucci, and Jill Sander.

Getting the Brutalist Look in Your Home

Interested in incorporating Brutalist elements into your home? Follow these tips:

1. Embrace raw materials: Incorporate raw concrete, steel, and industrial materials into your decor.
2. Opt for simple, geometric forms: Prioritize clean lines in furniture and décor, and choose blocky, geometric silhouettes.
3. Keep color palettes neutral: Brutalist interiors favor a restrained color palette of grays, charcoals, blacks, and earthy tones, with warmth introduced through materials like wood, leather, and wool.
4. Experiment with texture: Since Brutalism shies away from ornamentation, texture becomes a critical design element. Rough concrete surfaces, brushed metals, and unfinished wood add visual depth.

Reference(s):1. Eastman, J. V., & MacDonald, M. (2021). Brutalism. [online] In Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/Brutalism2. Medler, R. (2021). A New Brutalism. [online] In Architecture, Engineering, & Construction. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-brutalism-richard-medler3. Solovjova, D. (2020). 10 Inspirational Brutalist Buildings with Stunning Interiors. [online] In Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2020/02/17/brutalist-inspiring-buildings-stunning-interiors/4. Wellstead, L. (2021). The Brutalism Revival. [online] In Architecture Australasia. Available at: https://architekturaustralia.com/the-brutalism-revival/

Martha Stewart mentioned in Home Garden News her admiration for the resurgence of brutalism in home design decor, crediting social media and movies like "The Brutalist" for its popularity. This resurgence is not limited to architectural interiors but also extends to furniture and home decor trends.

In Home Design Decor, brutalism's raw concrete and geometric forms are being embraced, either fully or subtly, in contemporary homes. The function-first philosophy of brutalism, which prioritizes utility over ornamentation, is a significant factor in its comeback.

News articles and design magazines have highlighted architects like Walker McKinley and Trey Trahan, whose work is helping define the current landscape of brutalism and its role in modern home design.

The brutalist style is also gaining recognition in popular culture, with films and television shows demonstrating an appreciation for the aesthetic, often using it to create dystopian atmospheres. Fashion retailers like YSL, Gucci, and Jill Sander have also embraced the brutalist aesthetic.

To incorporate brutalism into one's home, following tips from design experts, such as embracing raw materials, opting for simple, geometric forms, and keeping color palettes neutral, can help create a modern, yet brutalist, living space.

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