Brutalist Living

This is a view of the Barbican Housing Estate in Barbican, London.

‘Brutalism’ is a term applied to a style of architecture, pioneered in continental Europe by Le Corbusier.

The term itself is perhaps unfortunate – suggesting as it does a type of building which is ugly and unfriendly, and so its association with much of Britain’s welfare state architecture has not helped the movement’s reputation, at least in the eyes of the public.

Raw concrete in the hands of Le Corbusier (aided by the sunshine of France) became something beautiful and almost spiritual, whereas in Britain, Brutalist buildings often seemed tough, hard, and uncompromising.

Needless to say that the weather in the UK has a more detrimental effect most times of the year, makin’ these buildings look much more sad and drab.

The same style of architecture can also be seen on London’s South Bank, namely – The Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Art Gallery, as well as Baynard House in Cheapside.