brutalism architecture moment menifesto background characteristics form & space colour & materials architects projects future direction of moment

1. THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE
MADE BY- SHRIL D SONI
ENROLLMENT NO- 183521050033

2. While Brutalism did not have a formal manifesto, there were certain key principles that were central to the movement.
Here are some of the main points that could be considered a manifesto of Brutalism:-
Brutalist architects believed in using materials in an honest and unadorned way. This meant that materials were not concealed
or disguised, but instead celebrated for their inherent qualities. Concrete was a favorite material for Brutalist architects, and it
was often left raw and exposed, showcasing its texture and strength.
Truth to Materials:-
Brutalist architects believed that buildings should be designed to fulfill their purpose in the most efficient and effective
way possible. This often meant prioritizing the needs of the occupants over the aesthetics of the building. As a result,
Brutalist buildings tend to have simple, geometric shapes and layouts that are focused on practicality.
Functionality :-
Brutalist buildings were often designed to be large and imposing, in order to communicate a sense of importance and
permanence. This was especially true for government and institutional buildings, which were meant to symbolize the
power and stability of the state.
Monumentality : -
Brutalist architects believed in creating buildings that were in harmony with their surroundings. This
often meant incorporating natural materials and landscaping into the design of the building, and creating
spaces that connected the inside and outside environments.
Integration with Nature :-
Brutalist architecture often emphasized the structural and constructional aspects of the
building, with exposed concrete beams, columns, and other elements becoming part of
the aesthetic. This gave Brutalist buildings a distinctive, sculptural quality.
Structural Expressionism :-

3. Overall, these principles were central to the Brutalist movement, and represented a
rejection of the sleek and polished surfaces of modernism in favor of a raw, honest,
and expressive aesthetic.
While Brutalism is often criticized for being cold and unwelcoming, its adherents
believed that it was a style of architecture that was true to its time and expressed the
values of its era.

4. Here are some of the key points that describe the background and context of Brutalism
Post-War Era :-
Brutalism emerged in the mid-20th century, a period of social, political, and technological change. Architects of the time
were seeking new ways to express the values of their era, which included a focus on functionality, social progress, and
authenticity.
Destruction and Reconstruction :-
The aftermath of World War II had devastated cities across Europe and Asia, leaving behind a landscape of ruins and
destruction. Architects who had witnessed the devastation were inspired to create a new style of architecture that
reflected the era's social and political upheaval.
New Building Materials :-
Advances in concrete technology allowed architects to experiment with new forms and shapes, while also creating
buildings that were more durable and long-lasting. The use of concrete also allowed architects to create buildings on a
larger scale, which was important for the many government and institutional projects that were being commissioned at
the time.
Modernism and Functionalism :-
Brutalism was influenced by the growing interest in modernism, which emphasized clean
lines, geometric shapes, and the use of modern materials. However, Brutalist architects
rejected the sleek and polished surfaces of modernism in favor of a raw and exposed
aesthetic that celebrated the inherent qualities of materials. They also emphasized the
functional aspects of the building, prioritizing practicality over ornamentation.

5. French Origins :-
The term "Brutalism" comes from the French word "béton brut," which means "raw concrete."
The term was first used by the architectural critic Reyner Banham in 1955 to describe the work of the British architects
Alison and Peter Smithson. However, Brutalism soon became associated with a broader movement of architects who
shared similar principles and aesthetics.
Overall, the background of Brutalism is rooted in the post-war period of social,
political, and technological change, and reflects the values of the era, including a
focus on functionality, authenticity, and progress.
The use of raw concrete and simple, geometric shapes became the signature style
of Brutalism, which stood out for its unique approach to design and construction.

6. Brutalism is a style of architecture that is characterized by several distinct features.
Here are some of the key characteristics of Brutalism:
Raw Concrete :-
One of the most defining features of Brutalist architecture is the use of raw, exposed concrete. This gives buildings a
distinctive, rough texture that emphasizes the strength and solidity of the material. Concrete was often left unpainted
and unadorned, with the marks of the formwork or casting visible on the surface.
Brutalist buildings tend to have simple, geometric shapes, with a focus on functionality and practicality.
Rectangular or cubic forms are common, as are massive, block-like structures. The emphasis on form is
often tied to the structural logic of the building, with exposed concrete beams and columns becoming part
of the aesthetic.
Geometric Forms :-
Shiv Nath Prasad, Shri Ram
Centre for Art and Culture, New
Delhi, India, 1969
Ahrends, Burton, Koralek,
Theological College, Chichester,

7. Monumentality :-
Brutalist buildings often have a sense of monumentality, with large, imposing structures that dominate their
surroundings. This is especially true for government and institutional buildings, which were designed to convey a sense
of power and permanence.
Brutalist architects emphasized the functional aspects of the building, prioritizing the needs of the occupants over the
aesthetics of the building. As a result, Brutalist buildings tend to have simple, straightforward layouts that are focused on
practicality.
Functionalism :-
Despite their imposing size and raw aesthetic, Brutalist buildings often incorporate natural materials and landscaping
into their design, creating a sense of harmony with their surroundings. This can include features such as courtyards,
gardens, or green roofs.
Integration with Nature: -
Landscaping is an important component of many Brutalist buildings. Concrete planters, walkways, and retaining walls
are often used to create a cohesive and integrated landscape design.
Brutalist Landscaping : -
While Brutalist buildings are often criticized for being austere or uninviting, many architects incorporated expressive details
into their designs. This could include decorative concrete patterns, sculptural elements, or unexpected features such as
sunken courtyards or cantilevered balconies.
Expressive Details : -
Overall, the characteristics of Brutalist architecture reflect a
focus on raw materials, functionality, and monumentality, as
well as a desire to create buildings that are in harmony with
their surroundings. While the style may be divisive, it is
undeniably distinctive and influential, and has left a lasting
impact on the built environment.

8. Brutalist architecture is characterized by simple, geometric forms.
Buildings are often designed as massive, block-like structures with an emphasis on their sheer size and monumentality.
Rectangular or cubic forms are common, as are buildings with sculptural or irregular forms that reflect the structural logic of
the building.
The use of raw, exposed concrete also contributes to the unique form of Brutalist buildings, with the marks of the formwork
or casting visible on the surface.
Form :-
Brutalist architects approach space in a way that is tied to the functional aspects of the building.
Spaces are often designed with a focus on practicality, with clear circulation patterns and a hierarchy of spaces that reflect
their intended use.
Public spaces such as lobbies or plazas are often given a sense of grandeur, with large, open areas that are designed to
accommodate large numbers of people.
Private spaces, such as offices or apartments, are often designed with an emphasis on privacy and intimacy.
Space:-
In Brutalist architecture, the relationship between form and space is closely tied to the
functional needs of the building.
The simple, geometric forms of the building are often designed to maximize usable space,
while also creating a sense of monumentality and permanence.
The use of raw concrete also contributes to this relationship, with the material serving both
as the structure of the building and as a defining feature of its form.
Relationship between Form and Space :-

9. Brutalist interiors tend to be austere and functional, with an emphasis on clear circulation patterns and a hierarchy of
spaces.
However, many architects also incorporated expressive details into their designs, such as decorative concrete patterns or
sculptural elements.
Large, open spaces are common in public areas, while private spaces such as apartments or offices are often designed to
provide privacy and intimacy.
Interiors :-
Overall, the form and space of Brutalist architecture are closely tied to
its focus on functionality and monumentality. The simple, geometric
forms of the building are designed to maximize usable space, while the
use of raw concrete emphasizes the strength and solidity of the
structure. The relationship between form and space is closely tied to the
functional needs of the building, resulting in buildings that are both
striking and practical.

10. The use of raw, exposed concrete is one of the defining features of Brutalist architecture. Concrete was often left
unpainted and unadorned, with the marks of the formwork or casting visible on the surface. Other materials that were
commonly used in Brutalist buildings include steel, glass, and brick. These materials were often used in a way that
emphasized their natural qualities, rather than being disguised or covered up.
Materials :-
Brutalist buildings are often associated with a monochromatic color palette, with shades of gray or beige predominating.
However, some architects also used bold colors or unexpected combinations of colors to create expressive and dynamic
designs. For example, the architect Le Corbusier used bright primary colors in his designs to create a sense of energy
and vibrancy.
Color :-
High Court of Punjab and Haryana
Unité d’habitation in Marseilles,France
The use of raw concrete in Brutalist buildings creates a distinctive texture that emphasizes the
strength and solidity of the material. Other materials such as brick or stone can also be used to
create texture and visual interest. The texture of the materials is often left unadorned, with the
natural qualities of the material being allowed to shine through.
Texture : -

11. Brutalist buildings often incorporate natural materials and landscaping into their design, creating a sense of harmony with
their surroundings. This can include features such as courtyards, gardens, or green roofs, as well as the use of natural
materials such as wood or stone.
Integration with Nature :-
mill owners association building
University of California, San Diego,
Barbican Estate, London
In Brutalist architecture, the expression of materiality is an important aspect of the design. Materials are often left in their
natural state, with the texture and character of the material becoming a defining feature of the building. This can create a
sense of honesty and authenticity in the design, emphasizing the natural qualities of the materials and celebrating their
beauty.
Expression of Materiality :-
Overall, the use of materials, color, and texture in Brutalist
architecture reflects a desire to create buildings that are honest,
authentic, and in harmony with their surroundings. The focus on
raw, natural materials and simple forms emphasizes the strength
and solidity of the building, while also creating a sense of
monumentality and permanence.

12. Le Corbusier:-
A Swiss-French architect who was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. He is known for
his pioneering work in modern architecture and urban planning, and his use of raw concrete in his buildings.
Alison and Peter Smithson:-
A British architectural team known for their Brutalist designs, including the Hunstanton School
and the Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in London.
Marcel Breuer:-
a Hungarian-born architect who was a leading exponent of the Brutalist style in the United States. His most
famous works include the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and the UNESCO headquarters
in Paris.
Louis Kahn:-
an American architect who is best known for his monumental, Brutalist-style buildings,
including the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California.
These pioneers of Brutalism helped shape the movement and create some of the most
iconic Brutalist structures in the world. Their influence can still be seen in architecture
today.
was a Hungarian-born architect and designer of furniture. He moved to the
United Kingdom in the 1930s, and became a key member of the Modernist
architectural movement.
Ernő Goldfinger RA :-

13. While Brutalism is often associated with a particular era of architecture, there are still many architects and designers
who are interested in exploring the possibilities of this style in the present and future. Here are some potential future
directions for Brutalism:-
Sustainability :-
There is growing interest in using the Brutalist style to create buildings that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
This might involve incorporating green roofs, solar panels, and other features that help reduce a building's carbon
footprint.
Digital fabrication :-
Advances in digital fabrication technologies such as 3D printing and robotic manufacturing are making it easier to create
complex and sculptural forms in concrete. This could lead to a new wave of Brutalist-inspired designs that push the limits
of what is possible with this material.
Adaptive reuse:-
Many Brutalist buildings are facing demolition or are in need of major renovations. One possible future direction for
Brutalism is to repurpose these buildings for new uses, such as residential, commercial, or cultural spaces. This approach
could help preserve these structures while also giving them new life and relevance in the 21st century.
Hybridization :-
Some architects are interested in combining elements of Brutalism with other styles or materials to create new,
hybrid forms. For example, a building might incorporate Brutalist concrete elements with sleek glass facades or
natural materials such as wood or stone.
Overall, the future of Brutalism will likely involve a continued exploration of
its potential as a versatile and expressive architectural style, as well as a
renewed focus on sustainability and adaptive reuse.

14. Mill Owners Association Building
- Location - Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- Architect - Le Corbusier
- Client - Ahmedabad Mill Owners Association
- Timeline - 1954-1956
- Height ~ 58 ft
- Floors – 3
- Temperature - 55 F (min), upto 125 F(max)
- Climate - hot and semi-arid
- Annual Rainfall ~ 31 inches
INTRODUCTION
Site
- Elevation – 174ft.
- Soil Type – Sandy and Dry.
- Seismic Zone – 3.

15. Corbusier was invited to India by its first president to design the capital city of
Chandigarh in 1951.
This is when he was commissioned by the mayor of Ahmedabad to do five
projects in the city which reflects its futuristic vision.
ATMA House was one of the first ones to get completed.
The building design majorly focused on the climate and culture of the people.
Inspired by the local architecture and considering immediate context, various
design principles were laid out.
Background and Design Concept
Five Points of Architecture
- Raised Structure
- A free facade
- Open Floor Plan
- Ribbon windows
- Rooftop Garden
The Modular
Le Corbusier explicitly used the Modular to derive
his scales and architectural proportions.

16. Figure 6.
Figure 5.
Figure 4.
Figure 3.
Figure 10.
Figure 9.
Figure 8.
Figure 7.
Figure 11.
First Floor Plan

17. Figure 15.
Figure 14.
Figure 13.
Figure 12.
Figure 19.
Figure 18.
Figure 17.
Figure 16.
Figure 20.
Second Floor Plan

18. Figure 27.
Figure 25.
Figure 23.
Figure 21.
Figure 28.
Figure 26.
Figure 24.
Figure 22.
Figure 29.
Third Floor Plan

19. Figure 31.
Figure 30.
Figure 34.
Figure 33.
Figure 32.
Figure 36 .
Figure 35.
Mezzanine Floor Plan