Brutalism
noun
A style of architecture which became popular in the mid-20th century, characterized by block-like, often geometric designs and raw, exposed concrete.
The government building is a prime example of brutalism, with its heavy, imposing concrete shapes.
Often appears as...
- brutalist architecture
- brutalist design
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
A severe, uncompromising action or behavior, which can be seen as harsh or cruel.
The brutalism shown by the killer shocked everyone in the courtroom.
Often appears as...
- show brutalism
- act with brutalism
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
noun
A style of architecture which became popular in the mid-20th century, characterized by block-like, often geometric designs and raw, exposed concrete.
The government building is a prime example of brutalism, with its heavy, imposing concrete shapes.
Often appears as...
- brutalist architecture
- brutalist design
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
A severe, uncompromising action or behavior, which can be seen as harsh or cruel.
The brutalism shown by the killer shocked everyone in the courtroom.
Often appears as...
- show brutalism
- act with brutalism
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Connecting Era
Brutalism is linked to the 1950s-1970s; knowing this helps place it in historical and cultural context.
The 1960s university campus buildings exhibit classic brutalism.
Pro Tip 2/3Functionality Focus
Brutalism emphasizes function in its design, often at the expense of aesthetics.
Brutalist architecture prioritizes the building's purpose over decorative elements.
Pro Tip 3/3Concrete Dominance
Concrete is the hallmark material of brutalism, giving a stark, strong impression.
The library's brutalist design uses bare concrete to make a bold statement.
Pro Tip 1/3Connecting Era
Brutalism is linked to the 1950s-1970s; knowing this helps place it in historical and cultural context.
The 1960s university campus buildings exhibit classic brutalism.
Pro Tip 2/3Functionality Focus
Brutalism emphasizes function in its design, often at the expense of aesthetics.
Brutalist architecture prioritizes the building's purpose over decorative elements.
Pro Tip 3/3Concrete Dominance
Concrete is the hallmark material of brutalism, giving a stark, strong impression.
The library's brutalist design uses bare concrete to make a bold statement.
Pro Tip 1/3Connecting Era
Brutalism is linked to the 1950s-1970s; knowing this helps place it in historical and cultural context.
The 1960s university campus buildings exhibit classic brutalism.
Pro Tip 2/3Functionality Focus
Brutalism emphasizes function in its design, often at the expense of aesthetics.
Brutalist architecture prioritizes the building's purpose over decorative elements.
Pro Tip 3/3Concrete Dominance
Concrete is the hallmark material of brutalism, giving a stark, strong impression.
The library's brutalist design uses bare concrete to make a bold statement.
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Video examples
Why the buildings of the...
Architects had been busy experimenting with something called brutalism. It's about concrete. You can guess this. Small windows, dehumanizing scale. This is really tough stuff.
Video examples
Why the buildings of the...
Architects had been busy experimenting with something called brutalism. It's about concrete. You can guess this. Small windows, dehumanizing scale. This is really tough stuff.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Alexander Armstrong
English Actor
I don't know about scared, but 'Chernobyl' definitely made me deeply uncomfortable. Almost addictively uncomfortable: don't know what that says about me. But I came to love the tatty Soviet brutalism of it.
Quote examples
Peter Marino
American Architect
I'm really a fighter against modernism equaling brutalism.
Quote examples
Alexander Armstrong
English Actor
I don't know about scared, but 'Chernobyl' definitely made me deeply uncomfortable. Almost addictively uncomfortable: don't know what that says about me. But I came to love the tatty Soviet brutalism of it.
Quote examples
Peter Marino
American Architect
I'm really a fighter against modernism equaling brutalism.
Example 1 of 2
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