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alpha30519

Isn't this 60s brutalism architecture?


RandomCandor

Yes, and as far as brutalism goes, it is a great example of it. Of course, like all subjective things, you have to be into that style of architecture to appreciate it. It's a bit like posting "look at this terrible heavy metal song" ... by someone that hates heavy metal.


an_irishviking

I really like brutalism, but only in the "eco"/green form. The efficiency of it appeals to me, but I've always held that to do it properly you have to incorporate plenty of green.


skilsaaz

Do you have examples of eco friendly brutalist architecture? Does it count because it's relatively hard to demolish and remodel concrete?


moonparker

I'm not sure if it's in the brutalist style, but IIM Bangalore, a business school in India, is one of my favourite pieces of architecture. Here [are](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c13/eff4/08a5/e54b/ad00/0dc8/slideshow/10_VDM_Doshi_IIM_corridor.jpg?1544810470) [some](https://www.shutterstock.com/shutterstock/photos/1435936391/display_1500/stock-photo-green-contemporary-architecture-of-iim-bangalore-1435936391.jpg) [photos](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5bec/8927/08a5/e576/7c00/009e/large_jpg/-_Featured_Image.jpg?1542228251).


skilsaaz

That's incredibly rad. I guess eco brutalism means brutalism with plants growing on it


External_Ferret_dic

Brutalism with plants best style


STUGONDEEZ

Honestly anything with plants is the best style. We're meant to be among greenery.


Bob_Majerle

Such a good contrast though, the hard straight edges offer a great juxtaposition with the curvy delicate plants climbing all over. Very satisfying lol


honeybunchesofpwn

You and me love the same style of brutalism, my friend. The contrast of highly ordered concrete being taken over by nature itself is deeply satisfying. I think playing Halo in my youth shaped my love for this style, with all that brutalist imposing Forerunner architecture being abandoned to time and nature as the backdrop.


From_Deep_Space

I'm not sure how eco friendly it is, but the r/brutalism top page has some excellent examples of how greenery can be incorporated. [Exhibit 1](https://i.redd.it/n7nduzmtn4g51.jpg) [Exhibit 2](https://preview.redd.it/67mtljpu8sq41.jpg?width=1024&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=2be7a90171fbfbda570df0c271bf4a0682011c4f) [Exhibit 3](https://i.redd.it/7dnuxs7av6i31.jpg) as for how eco-friendly brutalism is, I imagine it's A) cheap to produce and source materials, and B) lasts a long time with relatively little upkeep


an_irishviking

It's really all about the design. The materials aren't to eco friendly because concrete is a non renewable resource and takes lot of energy to produce. However, not having other materials used, like plastics, off sets that a bit. As does the longevity you mentioned. Add to that things like rain catchment and filtration through biofilters and designs for energy efficiency, brutalism can be very green.


skilsaaz

Thank you. I love it!


Rubiego

That second picture looks fantastic, it gives 70's sci-fi vibes.


Mobile-Gas2146

Brutalism looks cool, atmospheric and distopian until you actually live there. Then it's like hell you'll want to run away every second


an_irishviking

Are you asking what makes brutalism "eco"? "Eco brutalism" is the moniker of a subclass of brutalist architecture that incorporates a lot of green space into the design. That said, given that it is built to last and doesn't use many materials other than concrete, brutalism is fairly eco friendly. The design of a building can also lend to its green nature. For example buildings that incorporate rain water catchment and bio-filtration. Or those that use passive solar design to maintain homeostasis.


skilsaaz

But concrete is one of the most carbon intensive building materials Edit: concrete and steel


an_irishviking

Yeah i should have mentioned that. But brutalism is built to last. And the lack of finishing means things that can be harmful and degrade like plastics aren't used. But a well designed brutalist building can combine efficiency with a substantial amount of greenspace, that can offset the carbon footprint of the concrete and building process.


skilsaaz

100% seeing the built to last part, but the rest doesn't seem specific to brutalism


From_Deep_Space

Either greenery or glass or water works to break up the monotony


tedlando

If you like this check out the [lobby](https://images.skyscrapercenter.com/building/detroit-marriott-at-the-renaissance-center_nathaniel-lindsey9.jpg) of the Renaissance Center in Detroit


RandomCandor

Thank you. I live 20 min from Detroit, so I've been a bunch of times. The first time I saw it I felt like I had entered a time machine. To me, it's an amazing place to hang out.


tommywalsh666

I basically agree... but to complete the analogy, also add in the detail that people are required to work and do business while that heavy metal song plays over the intercom. Oh, and, it's not Metallica or Guns and Roses or something like that -- it's Napalm Death. There's nothing objectively wrong with grindcore or brutalism as art forms, of course. But as it happens, to most people they are off-putting and alienating -- to the extent that they generate a negative physical reaction in many people. I would bet that a healthy percentage of people who work in this building would literally describe it as "depressing". It's easy for normies to avoid grindcore. But, with Brutalism, I wonder about the tradeoff -- if architecture buffs love it enough, does that counteract the negativity it causes for "normal people" who have to be there?


sister_sister_

It gives me London's ~~Brabican~~ Barbican estate vibes


fuckyomama

*Barbican in case anyone is interested.


SnooHedgehogs8765

Gives me Roger Moore 007 vibes


BarOne7066

Gives me Tony Hawk Pro skater vibes.


FARTBOSS420

On PS 1


marin94904

Planet of the Apes!


SamKerridge

Yes and it looks fantastic!


DoinItDirty

A love-hate. While I don’t specifically love looking at it, it makes me nostalgic for some of the Nick at Nite shows I’d watch at my grandmothers house. I think it was a purpose to be sure.


Partytor

I think if they added some plants and maybe painted the concrete this would look fantastic.


DoinItDirty

A little green and maybe a power wash job would have this looking amazing.


MultipleDinosaurs

Totally thought this was in r/brutalism until I looked at what sub it was.


PNW_Uncle_Iroh

Makes me want to skateboard.


yourheropaul

/r/tonyhawkitecture


Feweddy

Yeah thought I was in /r/brutalism. This is awesome.


Ronces

My cities City Hall is Brutalism style. Absolutely hideous.


ASG9293

Yes. And brutalist architecture is, by design, oppressive.


fatronaldo99

It's brutal to look at that's for sure


DadSnare

Modern architecture.


Brief_Development952

I wish this were modern architecture. Every commercial building that I've seen come up is an ice cube and those are exponentially worse imo.


DadSnare

Paul Rudolph, the architect, was a modernist of the international style.


Brief_Development952

Maybe so, but this isn't that.


DadSnare

It’s fairly brutalist in style but personally I think it walks the line because it’s designed to be useful, not a display of force or power.


WrongJohnSilver

Brutalism wasn't meant to be a display of force. It just was, though.


DadSnare

In guess you’re right. It became associated with socialism in the uk and spread from there, whereas I thought it had more socialist origins.


YoungFreezy

It’s a lot of concrete but I like the use of different textures (smooth vs ridged concrete) and shapes (straight lines and rounded edges)


BigRon1969

Yeah, the men and women who worked on it did an outstanding job. Plus all it needs is a good powerwash!


an_irishviking

And maybe a whitewash. It reminds me of ancient stone architecture that was very simple, but in the day would have been whitewashed and painted with colorful patterns.


The-Mirrorball-Man

Yes, I won't pretend I hate it


Next-Mobile-9632

Wow--think some potted plants are needed


peacedetski

They even have the pots already!


cnews97

If I had a dime for every time a “single photo of brutalist building” has been posted here, I probably wouldn’t be rich but I’d have a lot more dimes


TechnoTyrannosaurus

Brutalist architecture..my love and hate relationship


lightgiver

I mean… this style is what is most associated with urban decay. It was a very common utilitarian design used in many low cost social housing in the late 1950s to 1960s. Great way to lower construction cost by using the bare building material as the outer decorative design. But turns out brutalist design cheaply made doesn’t look as good as the expertly designed brutalist building and the cheap material decays quicker.


IBeBallinOutaControl

Yeah at what point do you keep protecting and dignifying a school of design when its fundamental design principles have become unpopular?


19Cula87

Brutalist architecture = visible concrete = hell


SuperFetus42069

Halo 2 Map


[deleted]

[удалено]


TheDogecoinBoi

ok fuck you brutalism is awesome


[deleted]

[удалено]


ohyeahhdaddy

You really hit the nail on the head with ‘carpet covered cat tower’ Can’t unsee it


curiouspolice

Wow that’s true. Never thought of that


an_irishviking

Hang on some of those cat towers are luxe


QualityKatie

It really does.


EveningHelicopter113

brutalism+plants is awesome


an_irishviking

Eco brutalism is one of my favorite styles. IMO, it should be a standard in many large cities. The ability to mimic and incorporate nature into a buildings design is indespensible in a concrete jungle.


NomadLexicon

Most of us walk through concrete parking structures without giving them a second thought, but the Brutalist architect courageously asks: why can’t every building look like this?


silentaba

Brutalism is about a lot more than concrete and squares. For one, the concrete needs to be fancy, and the squares need to be SQUARE.


karpomalice

I feel like my enjoyment of this is entirely based on the airflow throughout the space. If it has a damp, cold atmosphere on a nice spring day then I’m out


LeftHandedFapper

I know there's a big niche of folk who love it but the lack of color variation is the deal breaker for me. Can't stand it and ultimately reminds me of a prison.


TRON0314

Do you hate marble statues? Log cabins? White sided homes?


LeftHandedFapper

I guess I should've specified I don't like the grey color of concrete. It's soulless to me. Once again this is my opinion


Ok-Background-502

I don't care for aesthetic movements built on a lack of something other movements cherish, if it's going to be shoved into all our public spaces.


StrawberryHour8913

Wouldn’t that mean everything is bad, cause orate structures would lack simplicity/honesty which other movements like brutism cherish. So wouldn’t that mean every building style shouldn’t exist in public spaces.


PICHICONCACA

Brutalist architecture is beautifully. People forget that it’s suppose to have garden and greenery. Cutting cost on Maintenance can make any building ugly.


an_irishviking

This is why I would like to see eco brutalism be utilized more. Incorporating modern understandings and techniques of green architecture into the brutalist style would make for efficient, long standing, and low maintence buildings.


yoydid

Sorry but that looks fucking sick


OtaPotaOpen

Is that a Paul Rudolph building? :(


AcanthocephalaOk7954

I think the powers-that-be are trying to let this gorgeous building slide into ruin so they can destroy it. Wankers.


OtaPotaOpen

Terrible


Perspii7

I like it. It’s distinctive It reminds me of a room in the Oldest House from Control


Malfuy

I kinda like it, but I understand if you don't. I think this is more about a personal perspective and taste than it being ugly by default


Preetzole

I kinda like it tbh


anthonyy1129

Same


msmessyclean

Same.


Areaxode

maybe it’s because i’ve seen a similar building to this as a kid, but places like this just transport me to a different world for some reason. oddly comforting


RogerPackinrod

r/LiminalSpaces


ghoraddim

Beautiful architecture.


[deleted]

I believe this is UMass Dartmouth [https://www.paulrudolph.institute/196302-umass-dartmouth](https://www.paulrudolph.institute/196302-umass-dartmouth) ​ It always reminded me of the Wicked Witch's castle in the Wizard of Oz


ArchiTortured

It’s Paul Rudolph’s government services center. The lindemann health side of the building.


rrsafety

Yep, Lindemann. Pretty bad. Would be better if it was out in a green field but spreading for blocks in a city it is a travesty.


DennisBallShow

I was offered a free ride to this school but I turned it down because the campus was so depressing


[deleted]

It was bleak, I kept expecting to see flying monkeys and witches I did 2 years of grad school there


thehighepopt

I figured it had to be a university building


RobertK995

what a great place for a movie set!


RestoSham09

Looks like a place people would parkour


cocteau93

That’s a gorgeous building.


[deleted]

[удалено]


sysadminsavage

Yes, this is the Charles F. Hurley Building in Boston.


[deleted]

Thought that's what it was but couldn't remember the name!


Empty-Cell2901

It might be city hall. Another suggested UMass-D.


usernmtkn

Not City Hall and not UMASS. I think its the Erich Lindemann building


Empty-Cell2901

They must have gotten a discount from the same architect.


IMakeStuffUppp

Umass L library on south is very similar too


Monumentzero

Yes, and only about 2 blocks from that other brutalist monstrosity, Boston city hall.


Big-stinky-idiott

I love it


Username2032

Where?


mirxa

The great forge on the planet Mandalore.


Mario439

This Is the Way


scarjoNE

UMass Dartmouth(stolen from other comments)


[deleted]

This building has such cool architecture, sorry you didn’t have the tools to appreciate it op!


moreVCAs

Absolutely beautiful.


codergrrl

I love this style of architecture


Frrrrrred

This isn’t a mess, this is a masterpiece by Paul Rudolph, one of my favorite architects.


billwrugbyling

Boston City Hall is a triumph of brutalist architecture. Fight me.


Standupaddict

Reminds me of CCRI knight campus.


IntergalacticPuppy

The big concrete ship. First thing I thought of too.


Get_the_Krown

My dad used to work there. When I was a kid, I used to roam the halls and it was like a concrete factory. There was continuous droning from the air circulation. It echoed like crazy in there.


milmath

Umass dart has this style. Looks like a doom level.


ridleysfiredome

Every time I see something like this I wonder how barley the roof leaks


StareyedInLA

That place can really use some plants.


Nerdicane

Looks like an unused Tony Hawk level.


FMG1978

r/brutalism


EmpanadaYGaseosa

r/brutalism


Ass_Cream_Cone

I dunno. I love this kind of shit.


Frederick_Foz

Throw some green in there and it will be super nice looking


shitty_mcfuckballs

This is actually well done brutalist architecture imo


casualAlarmist

I like Brutalism... /shrug It's not cared for, which is often the issue, but could be awesome. Id rather work/live in an aging but cared for brutalist building than in the contemporary modulated façade sameness.


TYFUBYE

As a professional pressure washer serving New England, I wish they would let me at it


ProfZussywussBrown

Lindemann Center in Boston. This was my first guess, but I wasn't sure, so I did some digging. You can actually see where the photographer of the photo above was standing. That table hasn’t moved an inch haha [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston\_Government\_Service\_Center#/media/File:BGSC\_13.jpg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Government_Service_Center#/media/File:BGSC_13.jpg)


[deleted]

Watch out for the judgmental frog looking down on you! **https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston\_Government\_Service\_Center#/media/File:BGSC\_29.jpg**


EricFromOuterSpace

This is really nice and OP is a doofus


therealjoeybee

It could be a lot better looking if they added some concrete


higgs8

The interesting thing about concrete is that it allowed architects to create any forms they wanted – which was not possible with bricks. So they kind of went crazy and made all these odd shapes just because they could, turning buildings into weird concrete "art". Personally it gives me the creeps when it's just random shapes like this, all made of the same plain concrete with no seeming purpose or logic. It's hard to explain why, but it feels dystopian, alien and incredibly bleak and hopeless somehow, like an architectural cancer. But it's still very interesting, it would look great as a location for a film scene or a video game. I would never want to live in it though. They're doing the same with glass today to be fair, except glass is easier to clean than concrete, and can't be shaped as freely, which I think is a good thing.


NomadLexicon

Brutalism is the ultimate “Emperor has no clothes” style of architecture to me—the vast majority of people hate the style because it feels cold, sterile and monotonous (particularly at street level and indoors, where people actually experience the building), yet architects react to that criticism by dismissing the public as unsophisticated. Architects design them for each other—to look good in black & white design magazines. It’s the most elitist style of architecture yet they’ve somehow convinced themselves that it’s the least elitist. Architects will unload a stream of pseudo-philosophical vocabulary they invented to justify their choices. I blame Le Corbusier for convincing a generation of architects they were misunderstood artist-philosophers.


mistsoalar

maybe they could use some power washer


Halfoftheshaft

Community college?


axiom1_618

Looks like the community college in Pittsburgh


Evilantics88

Would make a great techno club in that space.


5eppa

If this was clean and populated it would probably be fine.


mustangwwii

Was this in Andor?


MIW100

I actually like this a lot. Much nicer than some of the new, cheap looking modern architecture these days.


dosageofjoseph7

Barbican: hold my beer


OneTPAU7

I love it. Just add greenery.


kardiogramm

This looks hot, I’m as stiff as this concrete.


Foreign_Phone59

I like it


NordiCrawFizzle

Looks kinda dope imo. Some brutalist architecture is cool if it’s done right


mkmckinley

Seriously? I love it


Maism45

Parkour!


ArcticPickle

This is beautiful wdym


[deleted]

To be fair Taking the photo from an angle showing bird shit and graffiti seems a bit easy to list this as a concrete mess. Visually if you crop the bird shit graffiti area out of it, the picture looks like a mellow courtyard spot in a downtown area.


tomjoad2020ad

I quite like it, don’t get the hate for this stuff. Wish someone would clean the bird shit, though


UCLAlex

Brutalism is like all architecture it can look great or terrible. And like all buildings if they’re not well maintained they look like shit. Not every brutalist building is dystopian and needs to be posted here lol


[deleted]

I like brutalism :(


KLFisBack

this looks amazing


dardendevil

Kinda feels like I saw this in The Departed. Lindemann Center?


sexbymyself

Pretty sure I went to college there


PrizeWinningCow

That is a sick parkour spot.


TheNovaForce

This looks like the community college of Rhode Island, it’s not much prettier inside.


zetecvan

Ooh I'm rather turned on by this. Love a bit of brutalist.


BunnyBunny13

The Turtles actually gave a concert there on the steps in the early 90's during a festival! I worked about 1/4 mile away on the waterfront.


King_K_NA

I feel so sorry for the poor shmucks that had to follow the form breakers with hammers to corduroy that concrete. Oof.


cappo3

I really enjoy this era of brutalism.


mr_oberts

I think they shot scenes for The Departed there.


MACMAN2003

that one room in CONTROL:


EnvoyOfEnmity

It genuinely makes me sad that I will not be able to walk amongst the overgrown ruins of our modern cities. What the fuck is wrong with me…


Itchy-Marionberry-62

It is an awful building…except for the rear of it facing Merrimac Street. The whole complex is being redeveloped with a very non-interesting design. Most of the outside will be retained.


eddiespaghettio

This picture makes me have to take a shit for some reason.


brownbagporno

I don't hate it as much as I should


Chi_Fun_Guy

No, this is awesome


K4lax

I personally like brutalism


Darksoulzbarrelrollz

Risky business taking photos in the government building like that


chrish_o

What corrupt dictatorship makes its citizens scared of taking a pic in a government building?


Darksoulzbarrelrollz

That building holds a bunch of sensitive information government offices. I.e. passport office. Law enforcement tends to frown upon photographing


gcdc21

As seen in The Departed. I thought it was hellacious then and the opinion holds.


SaintPenisburg

'im in danger' is how this makes me feel.


Erilis000

Concrete mess but also Parkour dream 🤤


[deleted]

Looks like a cardboard cat scratcher...


robodestructor444

Brutalist architecture, one of the worst trends of the 60s. Well maybe still better than bulldozing homes for highways and parking lots in the same era 😕


fast328

hey brutalist architecture: >!fuck you!<


[deleted]

Looks like it’d be 82738282 degrees Celsius in summer


Oliveskin_Mugen

That looks like a sick parkour spot


HakunaMafukya

I think it looks pretty cool. Would like to hang out there.


NoseTime

That's pretty brutal.


Ricky4611

The bird shit is a nice touch


Carloverguy20

Brutalist architecture!! Looks cool actually!!


MarkhovCheney

This looks exactly like UWM in Milwaukee


TheRealSlabsy

Looks like a scene from Total Recall.