BRUTALISM

Brutalism
Brutalism is an architectural style that emerged in the mid-
20th century, characterized by the use of raw concrete,
monolithic appearance, and lack of decorative elements.
 Brutalism
Started in the 1950s and got its name from the French term ‘beton brut’
meaning raw concrete. The word brut evolved into ‘brutalist‘ due to the
unpleasant acceptance of the design at that time. In a world where
aesthetics are important, it is understandable that heavyset designs
made of bare concrete void of decorative elements are seen as outcasts.
Brutalism originated in post-war Europe when there was an urgent call
to provide affordable and massive-scale housing for the heavily bombed
areas.
 Brutalism
Seen in the work of Le Corbusier from the late 1940s with the Unité
d’Habitation in Marseilles, the term was first used by Alison Smithson in 1953
for an unexecuted project for a house in Colville Place, Soho in which she
described its warehouse aesthetic of bare concrete, brick and wood “as the first
exponent of the ‘new brutalism’” in England. However, it was architectural
historian Reyner Banham’s review in 1955 of Alison and Peter Smithson’s
school at Hunstanton in Norfolk, with its uncompromising approach to the
display of the steel and brick structure and its services, that established the
movement.
Historical Context and
Emergence of Brutalism
Brutalism emerged in the post-war era
when the need for affordable housing,
public buildings, and infrastructure
was high. It was a response to the
ornate, decorative styles of the early
20th century, which were seen as too
indulgent and expensive.
Characteristics of Brutalism
Raw Concrete
Facades
Brutalist buildings often feature
exposed concrete surfaces,
sometimes with rough or textured
finishes.
 Monolithic
Appearance
Brutalist structures are often massive,
imposing, and lack traditional ornamentation,
such as columns or friezes.

Lack of Decorative
Elements
Brutalist architecture eschews superficial
decoration in favor of a focus on the building's
structure and function.
Heavy, Geometric
Shapes
Brutalist buildings are often defined by their
use of solid, block-like forms, such as squares,
rectangles, or triangles.
 Emphasis on
Function Over
Form
Brutalist buildings are often defined by their
use of solid, block-like forms, such as squares,
rectangles, or triangles.
International
Brutalism
Cité Radieuse, Marseille
Breuer Building, New York City
Habitat 67, Montréal
Trellick Tower, London
Local Brutalism in
the Philippines
The brutalist architectural movement spreads
throughout the world including Asia where prudent
designs are easily adapted. In the Philippines, the
architectural style flourished during the Marcos regime.
Architect Leandro Locsin built several brutalist
structures in the Philippines. The CCP
complex, the main vein of brutalism in the
country is one great example. There is also his
Makati Stock Exchange and the Locsin Building
among others.
CCP COMPLEX
MAKATI STOCK EXCHANGE CENTER
LOCSIN BUILDING
 Criticisms on Brutalism

Negative Public Authoritarianism Maintenance Environmental

Perception Totalitarianism Preservation Concerns

Brutalism’s Legacy

Contemporary Efforts in Influence

Architecture Preservation
REFERENCES
https://bluprint.onemega.com/brutalism-this-architectural-prodigy-is-far-
from-gone/
https://www.creativebloq.com/features/10-iconic-examples-of-brutalist-
architecture
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Brutalism
https://www.architecture.com/explore-architecture/brutalism