Reyner Banham defined Brutalist buildings as being “1, Formal legibility of a plan; 2, Clear exhibition of Structure; and 3, Valuation of Materials ‘as found.’”
He recognised that both the buildings and the term Brutalism confirmed the prejudices of modern architecture’s opponents. To some, Brutalism was obviously a “cult of ugliness”, intent on “denying the spirituality of man”.
Banham was alive to these criticisms, admitting that “contact with Brutalist architecture tends to drive one to hard judgments.”
“What characterises the New Brutalism” he wrote, “is precisely its brutality, its je-m’en-foutisme, its bloody-mindedness.”
Photo by Orlando R Cabanban published by Inland Architect, Dec. 1969 highlights the structure and rectilinearity of the Blue Cross-Blue Shield building. (Photo via Chicago Modern: More Than Mies)
A curated collection of some of the most powerful
and awe-inspiring Brutalist architecture ever built
Phaidon Press is publishing Peter Cadwich’s new book, This Brutal World. It’s a global survey of a compelling and much-admired style of architecture. It brings to light virtually unknown Brutalist architectural treasures from across the former eastern bloc and other far flung parts of the world.
It includes works by some of the best contemporary architects including Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield as well as by some of the master architects of the 20th century including Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn, Paul Rudolph and Marcel Breuer.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Format: Hardback
Size: 250 x 290 mm, 9 7/8 x 11 3/8 in
Pages: 224pp
Number of Colour Illustrations: 320
ISBN: 9780714871080
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Learn more at Phaidon Press website.