Brutalisme

Brutisme, or Brutalism in English, is an architectural movement that emerged in the 1950s and developed through the 1960s and 1970s. It is defined by monumental, blocky forms, an emphasis on raw materials, and an intentional display of structural elements. The term is closely linked to béton brut, meaning raw concrete, and to an ethic of material honesty and functional aesthetics.

The origins of brutisme lie in the broader modernist project and the postwar need for durable, affordable public architecture. The term was popularized in Britain by critics and practitioners who associated the style with the use of exposed concrete and modular, repetitive forms. Early influences include Le Corbusier’s later works, while architects such as Alison and Peter Smithson helped popularize the language in the public realm. The movement spread across Europe and North America, especially in housing blocks, civic buildings, and cultural centers.

Design language and characteristics commonly include exposed structural elements, rough or textured concrete surfaces, large masses, and a utilitarian order. Surfaces may reveal formwork marks, while interiors prioritize service cores, stairwells, and straightforward circulation. The style often employs a modular approach, with repeated units forming complex, legible compositions. While concrete is dominant, other materials such as brick, metal, and glass are employed to express contrast and scale.

Notable examples include Le Corbusier’s early concrete projects, Habitat 67 in Montreal by Moshe Safdie, the Barbican Centre in London by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, and Boston City Hall in the United States. Brutisme has been praised for architectural honesty and civic scale, but criticized for perceived coldness and associations with failed social housing. In contemporary discourse, it remains a touchstone for discussions of material truth, urban form, and preservation.