The Atlas Of Brutalist Architecture: A love letter to concrete
Poplavok Café, Ukraine
One of the significant changes in architectural opinion since Umbrella’s launch has been in the perception of brutalism, the post-war movement that used untreated concrete as its main construction material. While some criticism of brutalist buildings was fair – too austere, poorly suited to local weather conditions – some was not. In fact, a fair bit of brutalism’s bad rep comes from negligence on the part of local councils, and unrelated economic and social problems.
Grand Central Water Tower, South Africa
Preston Bus Station, UK
Thankfully, brutalism’s legacy is now seen in a more positive light: something that can be seen in a new book, the Atlas Of Brutalist Architecture. As the title suggests, this is a worldwide tour of the genre, one that showcases the ambition, craft and beauty of modern architecture from the mid-20th century to today. Highlights include St Joseph’s hospital in Tacoma, USA (stilts, round windows); Preston bus station (beautiful ‘waves’ of concrete complementing old-fashioned buses); and the Poplavok cafe in Dnipro, Ukraine – a waterside paradise that looks like it was designed either for George Best or a Bond villain (if it goes on sale, we’re interested).
Stamp House, Australia
Svaneke Water Tower, Denmark
St Joseph’s Hospital, USA
And while the book will never make everyone fall in love with brutalism, it does show, that at its best, the genre points to a better, and more beautifully designed world.