Brutalist architecture

Also called Brutalism in architecture

Brutalism emerged in the mid-twentieth century, its name linked to ideas including béton brut, or raw concrete. It exposes material, structure and use through strong masses and often visible formwork, though brick and other materials also occur; direct construction matters more than an impression of aggression.

Kind

Art movement

Period

1950–1979

Lineage

Modern architectural movements

Related styles

2

Medium family

Photography

Medium

Photograph

Technique

Photographic capture

Light

Side light

Texture

Concrete

Key traits

1. 01Let columns, beams, load-bearing walls, stairs or service volumes contribute to the architectural expression so structure and use remain legible.
2. 02Organize scale through weighty or assertive masses, deep openings and relationships between solids and voids.
3. 03Show material texture, joints and construction traces; concrete is a common choice rather than the sole criterion.
4. 04Create rhythm with repeated structure and assembled volumes while incorporating human scale and routes through the building.