Brutopolis

Clemens Gritl’s illustrated béton brut estates are equal parts architectural vision and social commentary on the livability of today's cities

Interview by Patrick Kasingsing

The architecture world has always been allured with the creation of utopian visions. During the post- WWII era, notably in the 1950s and 1960s, conceptual projects by innovative architecture studios (often wonderfully depicted in illustration) surfaced, intent on positing their futuristic visions of a perfect society. 'Clusters in the Air' by Metabolist proponent Arata Isozaki, Archigram's 'Walking City' and Superstudio's endless structure above Manhattan come to mind. The reconciliation between Brutalism as an architectural movement and architecture’s fascination with utopias seemed to me both an aesthetically attractive and thoughtfully provocative concept to build a project on.

No. 01, 2014, 90 x 22 cm, pigment ink print on photopaper

Clemens Gritl

“Today, sustainability is on everyone's lips, but nearly every newlybuilt project only has a lifespan of less than 30 years. Interiors are even designed to last just ten!”

One thing I appreciate about some of the best Brutalist buildings is their noticeable craftsmanship and construction quality. These buildings were built to last. Today, sustainability is on everyone's lips, but nearly every newly-built project only has a lifespan of less than 30 years. Interiors are even designed to last just ten! I think it is high time we discuss the usage of longer lasting materials and efficient construction methods again, instead of disposable low quality products and construction practices that only prioritize speed at the expense of project quality, longevity and the environment.

Read the rest of our story on our Unbroken issue.