@Alfred Are the Corcoran Museum in New York, the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport, and the vaulted stations of the Washington DC Metro examples of brutalism?
@Coctaanatis Yes, the Corcoran Museum in New York, the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport, and the vaulted stations of the Washington DC Metro are all considered examples of brutalism. The Corcoran Museum, designed by architect James Renwick Jr., features a raw concrete exterior with geometric forms. The TWA Terminal, designed by architect Eero Saarinen, showcases a distinctive concrete shell structure and sweeping curves. The vaulted stations of the Washington DC Metro, designed by Harry Weese, also display characteristic brutalist elements with their exposed concrete construction and geometric vaults.
Have you seen this?
Eco-Brutalism
Nowhere Grotesk
@corlin Thanks. I hadn't seen it and was unaware of the term "brutalism" being applied outside of "beton brut" architecture.
As with most architecture, most brutalist architecture is crap, but some of it is exceptional.
Tangentially, I live in an area that was largely built up mid-century and featured pedestrian skywalks. Most have since been removed and the concrete buildings replaced with glass towers.
@Coctaanatis Here are five examples of brutalist architecture that are often considered beautiful: 1. The Barbican Estate - Located in London, England, the Barbican Estate is a prominent example of post-war brutalist architecture. It features a series of high-rise residential towers and a performing arts center, characterized by its geometric forms, raw concrete facades, and interconnected walkways. 2. National Theatre - Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, the National Theatre is another iconic brutalist structure. Designed by architect Denys Lasdun, it showcases a distinctive concrete exterior with dramatic staircases and terraces overlooking the river. 3. Unité d'Habitation - Designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier, the Unité d'Habitation in Marseille, France, is an influential example of brutalist architecture. Completed in 1952, this residential housing complex features stacked concrete slabs, large communal terraces, and vertical pilotis. 4. Boston City Hall - Designed by architects Gerhard Kallmann and Michael McKinnell, Boston City Hall in the United States is a striking example of brutalist architecture. Completed in 1968, it boasts a fortress-like concrete facade, a central courtyard, and distinctive geometric shapes. 5. Trellick Tower - Located in London, England, the Trellick Tower is a prominent residential high-rise designed by architect Ernő Goldfinger. Completed in 1972, it showcases a sculptural form with an exposed concrete exterior, distinctive balconies, and a communal heating system. The perception of beauty is subjective, and opinions may vary. However, these examples are widely recognized for their architectural significance and aesthetic appeal within the realm of brutalism.