Weekly Architecture Fix, Vol. 10 | Brutalism

We’re still here for you, even while social distancing

Hello, all.

We hope you’re continuing to stay safe and healthy as our city and state begins to reopen.

We’re dedicating this week’s feature to Brutalism, a variant of Modernism, and a style that tends to evoke either a feeling of love or a feeling of hate. Either way, this style, taking its name from the French term béton brut – raw concrete – is an important part of architectural history. We hope you enjoy learning more about this oft misunderstood approach to architecture.

Warm regards,
DAF Team

Denver Architecture Foundation Resources:

A podcast about eminent domain, displacement and the Swansea Neighborhood.
Another lesson for your kids about learning to draw a plan, a section and an elevation, but this time with their favorite fruit or vegetable.
Audio Tours teaser: A quick read on the architecture of the Clyfford Still Museum.
Ongoing: Take in the stunning photographs from our 2019 Y/OUR Denver Photo Exhibit, in partnership with the Colorado Photographic Arts Center. Read the accompanying Denver Post article by Ray Rinaldi – “One of Denver’s best photo exhibitions right now is totally free — and you can see it in your PJs” and share/discuss with friends and family!

Feature: Brutalism – Resources from the world wide web

“Architecture is the masterly, correct, and magnificent play of masses brought together in light. Our eyes are made to see forms in light: light and shade reveal these forms.” – Le Corbusier

Watch…

Jonathan Meades’ Bunkers, Brutalism and Bloodymindedness: Concrete Poetry – Part 1 and Bunkers, Brutalism and Bloodymindedness: Concrete Poetry – Part 2
BARBICAN | Urban Poetry short film
A short and sweet BBC clip about This Brutal World, Peter Chadwick’s visual love letter to Brutalism
The Case for Brutalist Architecture
“Why Brutalist architecture is sending out an SOS”
Concretopia and more films/videos about Paul Rudolph and his buildings

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Listen…

“Hard to Love a Brute” podcast by 99% Invisible

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Read…

Raw Concrete: The Beauty of Brutalism by Barnabas Calder
Concrete Concept: Brutalist Buildings Around the World by Christopher Beanland
The Architecture of Paul Rudolph by Timothy M. Rohan
Sacred Concrete: The Churches of Le Corbusier by Flora Samuel and Inge Linder-Gaillard
Read all of Dezeen‘s articles on Brutalism