World War II must be remembered not only with their destruction, but also with their creations. At the end of this great destruction of history, humanity entered a period of great change. This change has affected people both mentally and actionally. When the suffering is recorded in the memory of humanity; of course the architecture was also affected by this change. Brutalism emerged in this environment; We can say that it is an art movement that has become one of the main characters of the architecture of the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Even if the name of this movement was given by British architects, there is no similarity with the word “grim”. The term “concrete brut” that is “bare concrete” is used by the famous French Architect, who is Le Corbusier, for his work in Marseille and Chandigarh, is called “grossalism” by his British colleagues. this discourse brought a whole new breath to architecture at that time. Of course; The use of concrete, which is already cheaper, has provided economic advantages in the post-war crisis period.
This flow, born in 1954, has spread all over the world. Of course, as in every movement, parties and opposing views occurred. Some described it as a reflection of social memory in architecture and others described as frightening and devil work. Argued that even reflects totalitarianism and despotism, and still argues.
Examples of Brutalism from the World
If we talk about the best examples of current in the world, we can list the first ones that come to mind:
Basel School of Art and Design (Switzerland)
The building, which was built in 1961, gives the right to be an art school and the movement of grossitarianism with its image resembling Origami art.
Trellick Tower (UK)
This unusual building was built in 1972 with the spooky elevator tower attached to the main building.
Orange Country Court House (US)
The 1967 building, which combines complexity with a geometric arrangement, has used many elements of grossalism.
Ministry of Roadworks (Georgia)
This building, as an answer to those who are against the gross architectural movement and attracting attention with its harmony with natural beauties, was built in 1975.
Russian Consulate (Cuba)
The building was completed in 1985 resembles the Mordor Tower in “The Lord of the Rings” movie, with his scary image. This fantastic and imposing stance of the building has an admirable feel.
The Dance of the Brutalism with Steel: Center Georges Pompidou
Even though the main material of this stream is concrete, the use of steel material and steel construction in the grossist structures in time has started to increase. The building of Renzo Piano and Center Georges Pompidou was completed in Paris in 1977; With its steel and glass structure exposed, it does not compromise the brilliance which is the indispensable charm of grossism. With its modern look, the building is an important source of inspiration for the structures that are influenced by the following grossist or grossitarianism; In this type of construction, it opens the way to use all the advantages of steel material.
Brutalism in Turkey
Turkey was also affected many countries such as the current Brutalism. Of course, among the first examples that come to mind; We can provide “Istanbul Reklam Sitesi” in Cağaloğlu, Istanbul and the old “Tercüman Newspaper Building” in Topkapı. Both of these structures are important examples of the grossist architecture.
