brutalizmus

Brutalism, or brutalizmus in some languages, is an architectural style that rose to prominence in the mid-20th century. The name derives from the French beton brut, meaning raw concrete, a term used by Le Corbusier to describe the unfinished surfaces of his concrete buildings. Characteristic features include exposed concrete, bold blocky forms, a visible structural logic, and rough or textured surfaces. Buildings are often large in scale and emphasize function with this material honesty, frequently serving as housing blocks, government facilities, libraries, and cultural centers.

Important practitioners include Le Corbusier, the Smithsons, Paul Rudolph, Louis Kahn, Kenzo Tange, and Oscar Niemeyer. The style spread from postwar Western Europe to North America and parts of Eastern Europe and Asia, often tied to state-sponsored housing programs and public institutions aiming to express egalitarian ideals. Variants appear in university campuses, administrative towers, and urban complexes that prioritize social use over ornament.

Reception has been mixed. Supporters regard brutalism as honest, sculptural, and socially purposeful; critics argue that it can feel oppressive, cold, or inhumane and that concrete surfaces are difficult to maintain. Many brutalist buildings faced neglect or demolition in recent decades, though there has been renewed interest in their historical and architectural value. Well-known examples include the Barbican Centre in London, the Unité d'Habitation in Marseille, and Habitat 67 in Montreal, among others. The movement continues to influence contemporary architecture through its emphasis on material truth, modular construction, and socially oriented design.