5.3 BRUTALISM IN SOCIAL PROJECTS

Smithson. Corbusier’s brutalism represented a reformist movement in building architecture, in which structural elements were deliberately given prominence over decorative features. Why not so popular? The negative perceptions around brutalist architecture could be attributed to this word association – such buildings are often seen as unfriendly, intimidating and even uninhabitable. Brutalism is considered one of the most divisive among all architectural styles, thanks to the strong emotions it evokes amongst the design community as well as the masses. Brutalist buildings are popular locations in films and television series about urban dystopias.

5.3 BRUTALISM IN SOCIAL PROJECTS

Brutalism has been adopted in one many social projects. The reason being that it metaphorically conveys what the architect wanted to tell about the society during the time of its construction, functionality over form.

Figure 53 Unite d’Habitation in Marseille