What is Brutalist Architecture?
Brutalist architecture is an architectural style that first became prominent in the United Kingdom after World War II. As the name suggests, brutalist architecture aims at celebrating and exposing the “brutal” truth of the buildings. It was a significant part of the modernist movement. This style of architecture preferred the ethics of design over aesthetics. The term brutalism comes from the French word ‘béton brut’, first used by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier.
Characteristics of Brutalist Architecture
Although now considered a style, brutalist architecture is more of a philosophy towards design. A few characteristics of brutalist architecture are given below.
- The quality, nature, and texture of the materials were given importance over their use.
- Simple lines form gigantic geometry that may take outlandish shapes.
- The buildings must have high ceilings and open spaces.
- The building must have a rugged look and be composed of rough surfaces without any embellishments. The buildings may also showcase the construction material and concrete used.
- The buildings must be monochromatic.
- They must give priority to function over form.
Brutalist Architecture in India
Although the UK engendered the philosophy of Brutalist architecture, it quickly spread to India. The colonisation of the country as a British Commonwealth played a humungous role. After India gained independence, the leadership fell upon Jawahar Lal Nehru. He invited the pioneer of modernist brutalism, Le Corbusier, to work on the capitol district of Chandigarh in the 1950s.
Thus began the concept of brutalist architecture in India, which would be followed well into the 21st century.
Notable Examples of Brutalist Architecture in India
Le Corbusier undoubtedly influenced generations to come. Some of the most popular Indian auteurs of brutalist philosophy include Achyut Kanvinde, Balkrishna Doshi, Kuldip Singh, Raj Rewal, Shivnath Prasad, and more. Some of the notable examples of brutalist architecture in India are mentioned below.
National Cooperative Development Corporation, New Delhi
The building is situated in Hauz Khaz, New Delhi. It features two buildings, meeting at the top for a vast open space. These zig-zag towers connect via a central corridor. Due to its unusual shape, it is seldom called the ‘pyjama building’. Kuldip Singh and Mahendra Raj designed it in 1980.
It uses post-tensioned concrete to form arch-like walls. These walls suspend eight storeys of open-plan office settings. The central circulation is also exposed.
Palace of Assembly, Chandigarh
A pinnacle of brutalist architecture, Le Corbusier designed the Palace of Assembly in 1962. It is a seat of the Punjab and Haryana government. It features angular structures rendering it an impeccable form. A grand building, it includes all the key elements defined by Corbusier – long windows, open floor spaces, pilotis, and rooftop gardens. It entails a circular assembly chamber and stair-free circulation
Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
BV Doshi designed the IIM building in 1973. It features intersecting corridors and orthogonal plans. Therefore, one may find several open spaces and gardens. Doshi pressed on using hand-chipped granite and exposed concrete, which is seen throughout its entirety.
Photo Courtesy: Erik Jepsen
A Comeback of the Architectural Style known as Brutalist Architecture
