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It is easy to look at this building, a perfect example of Brutalistic architecture, and see something ugly. It is harsh and rough and imposing and yet, or maybe because of that, I find something hugely appealing about it. It is unapologetic, function over form, and that grittiness feels powerful and strong to me. Brutalist architecture flourished in post war London with the need for rebuilding and more housing. Many of those buildings are now in a poor state and in recent years some have vanished to replaced by more ‘modern’ buildings but there is a growing movement dedicated to preserving to some of them as iconic buildings that are a part of the architectural history of the city.
Tags: black and white, Buildings, London, sky
7 Comments
Recently i was in Slovokia and while not text book brutalist architecture there was and continues to be soviet era influence particularlly in apartments buildings. Rather than rebuild they’ve continued on with the style and added patio’s on newer buildings. Entire developemenrs are painted an assortment of tropical blues, yellows etc to hide the oppressive gray concrete. Yet like in your picture the still seem frozen in time and a reminder of a different era.
Sounds like an interesting way of dealing with the them that avoids the need for rebuilding but I can imagine that no matter what colour you paint them that gritty harshness is pretty tough to cover up
Mollyxxx
Your image has really highlighted its strength and handsomeness. Well done.
I wouldn’t like to live ther, but I love those different shapes! Fine photo.
Well, I just learned something new. I had no idea what this was until you mentioned it. Is it called Brutalist because of the way it looks “brutal” or was some architect named that? I can actually see why you find them appealing. I also have a thing for concrete.
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