Written by: Saram Maqbool
Posted on: June 12, 2025 | 
| 中文
Geisel Library at the University of California
Like with many forms of art, architecture has had its fair share of different styles over time. While some of these have remained well-loved, others weren’t always so welcome. However, with the passage of time, many of these originally disliked architectural styles have gained popularity and are now considered iconic. Brutalist architecture is one such example. Once considered cold, oppressive and ugly by most, it is now experiencing an unlikely resurgence. This mid-20th-century style, characterized by its raw concrete, blocky geometries and unadorned facades, has become a subject of admiration and preservation. The buildings that once symbolized a post-war utilitarianism are now seen through a lens of nostalgia, artistic boldness and cultural significance.
While the term Brutalism may seem derogatory at first, it’s actually derived from the French béton brut, meaning “raw concrete”. It emerged in the 1950s and peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 70s. It was heavily influenced by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, whose designs emphasized functionality over ornamentation. The style found its footing in the rebuilding efforts after World War II, as governments and institutions needed to construct large-scale housing and civic infrastructure quickly and economically. The result was a rapid development of stark, fortress-like buildings made with exposed concrete, designed to serve the masses rather than please the eye.
Unité d'Habitation by Le Corbusier
For decades, these buildings were criticized for their rigidity and lack of warmth. As tastes shifted toward postmodernism and glass-dominated designs in the 1980s and 90s, Brutalism fell out of favor. Many of its structures were demolished, left to decay or covered up in renovation attempts. Yet now, in an unexpected twist, the very characteristics that once made Brutalist architecture so controversial are driving its revival. The minimalist character of Brutalism appeals to a new generation that values authenticity and boldness in design. Social media platforms like Instagram have also played a role, providing a visual stage for photographers and enthusiasts to showcase the dramatic shadows, textures and monumental scale of these structures.
One example is the Barbican Estate in London. When it was first built, the complex was criticized for its layout and stark appearance. Yet today, it is one of the most desirable addresses in the city, and its architecture is widely celebrated. With its high-rise towers, elevated walkways and integration of residential, cultural and commercial spaces, the Barbican has become a symbol of thoughtful urban planning and daring architectural vision.
The Barbican Estate in London
In the United States, Boston City Hall has undergone a similar shift. Once the target of fierce criticism, with some calling it one of the ugliest buildings in America, it is now considered a Brutalist icon. Designed by Kallmann McKinnell & Knowles and completed in 1968, the building’s massive overhanging forms and textured concrete exteriors were intended to convey transparency and democracy through architecture. In recent years, public appreciation has grown, and instead of tearing it down, the city has invested in upgrades and surrounding plaza improvements that embrace its Brutalist identity.
Boston City Hall
Another landmark experiencing renewed appreciation is the Geisel Library at the University of California, San Diego. Designed by William Pereira and completed in 1970, the building looks like a concrete spaceship perched above the campus. Its daring, cantilevered structure is now regarded as futuristic and visionary, even though it wasn’t received so positively when first built. Students and visitors alike photograph its angular silhouette and recognize it as a central piece of the university’s identity.
The resurgence of Brutalist architecture is not only aesthetic but also ideological. In a world of rapid gentrification, soaring real estate prices, and increasingly homogenized urban development, Brutalist buildings are reminders of a time when architecture was used as a tool for social good. These structures were often built as public housing, libraries, universities and municipal offices, all spaces intended for collective benefit.
Trellick Tower in West London
The Trellick Tower in West London, designed by Erno Goldfinger and completed in 1972, exemplifies this characteristic. It was originally plagued with maintenance issues as well as crime. However, the building has experienced a dramatic transformation in terms of public opinion. The apartments in the building are now highly sought after by people who enjoy and appreciate architecture. The turnaround is a testament to the relevance of Brutalist ideals, especially as more of our cities now face housing shortages and seek sustainable urban solutions. In Eastern Europe, where Brutalism flourished under socialist regimes, the style is also being reevaluated. Buildings such as the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade or the Buzludzha Monument in Bulgaria, once viewed as relics of failed political ideologies, are now appreciated for their sculptural ambition and cultural history. Efforts to preserve these sites are underway, often led by younger architects and artists who see them not only as historical artifacts but as sources of inspiration.
Palace of Serbia in Belgrade
Ultimately, the revival of Brutalist architecture is a story of reevaluation. What was once scorned as an eyesore is now being embraced as iconic, not despite its starkness, but because of it. In an era defined by sleek glass towers and algorithmic design, Brutalism’s unapologetic materiality and social ambition offer a powerful counterpoint. These buildings challenge us to think about the role of architecture not just in shaping cities, but in shaping values. The resurgence of Brutalist architecture signals a cultural shift and a recognition that beauty, meaning and memory can be found in the most unexpected places.
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