11.1 Origins and principles of Brutalist architecture

Brutalism emerged in post-war Europe as a bold architectural style focused on raw materials and honest construction. Architects like Alison and Peter Smithson championed this approach, emphasizing functionality and social responsibility in their designs.

Brutalist buildings feature exposed concrete, monolithic forms, and a focus on structural expressionism. This style aimed to address urgent housing needs while promoting social ideals of equality and community through innovative architectural solutions.

Key Figures and Principles

Alison and Peter Smithson's contributions

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  Alison and Peter Smithsons’ Upper Lawn Pavilion (also known as the “Solar pavilion”), 1959-1962 ... View original

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  Alison and Peter Smithsons’ Upper Lawn Pavilion (also known as the “Solar pavilion”), 1959-1962 ... View original

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  File:Robin Hood Gardens AP Smithson.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

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Top images from around the web for Alison and Peter Smithson's contributions

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  Alison and Peter Smithsons’ Upper Lawn Pavilion (also known as the “Solar pavilion”), 1959-1962 ... View original

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• 

  File:Robin Hood Gardens AP Smithson.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

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  the smithsons, peter and alison smithson, architects: robi… | Flickr View original

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  Alison and Peter Smithsons’ Upper Lawn Pavilion (also known as the “Solar pavilion”), 1959-1962 ... View original

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  File:Robin Hood Gardens AP Smithson.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

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• Alison and Peter Smithson were British architects who played a significant role in the development of Brutalist architecture
• The Smithsons designed the Hunstanton School (1954) which showcased many Brutalist principles such as exposed structural elements and honest use of materials
• They advocated for an architecture that responded to the social needs of the post-war era, focusing on functionality and community-oriented design (Robin Hood Gardens housing complex)

Foundational principles of Brutalism

• Béton brut refers to the use of raw, unfinished concrete as a primary building material, showcasing the honesty and integrity of the structure
• Honesty in materials emphasizes the use of materials in their natural, unadorned state, revealing the true nature of the building's construction
• Ethical architecture aimed to create buildings that served the needs of society, prioritizing functionality and social responsibility over aesthetic considerations
• Functionalism prioritized the practical use of space and the efficient organization of a building's layout to meet the specific needs of its occupants (Trellick Tower)

Design Elements

Structural expressionism through exposed elements

• Brutalist buildings often feature exposed structural elements such as concrete beams, columns, and slabs, highlighting the building's skeleton and load-bearing components
• Exposing the structural elements celebrates the inherent beauty and strength of the materials, creating a bold and honest architectural statement (Yale Art and Architecture Building)
• The use of exposed structural elements also emphasizes the building's functionality, as the structure itself becomes an integral part of the aesthetic experience

Monolithic forms and raw concrete surfaces

• Brutalist architecture is characterized by monolithic, sculptural forms that create a sense of weight, solidity, and permanence
• The use of raw concrete (béton brut) as a primary material contributes to the monolithic appearance, with its rough, textured surfaces and unfinished quality (Boston City Hall)
• The monolithic forms and raw concrete surfaces create a stark, bold aesthetic that sets Brutalist buildings apart from other architectural styles of the time

Historical Context

Brutalism's emergence in post-war reconstruction

• Brutalist architecture emerged in the post-World War II era, as Europe and other parts of the world sought to rebuild and recover from the devastation of the war
• The need for efficient, cost-effective, and functional buildings led architects to embrace the principles of Brutalism, which prioritized practicality and honesty in design
• Brutalist architecture was seen as a way to address the urgent housing needs of the post-war population, with large-scale, high-density housing projects becoming a common application of the style (Habitat 67)

Social utopianism and the role of architecture

• Brutalism was influenced by the social utopian ideals of the post-war era, which sought to create a more egalitarian and inclusive society
• Architects believed that architecture could play a crucial role in shaping social interactions and improving the lives of people, particularly those in lower-income communities
• Brutalist buildings often incorporated communal spaces, such as elevated walkways, public plazas, and shared amenities, to foster a sense of community and social cohesion (Barbican Estate)
• The social utopian aspirations of Brutalism aimed to create a built environment that promoted equality, accessibility, and the collective well-being of its inhabitants