Brutalism (from Latin brutus – “rough”) is a trend in architecture that flourished in the 1950s-1980s in England. The founder of the style is the architect Le Corbusier. Subsequently, the direction spread in Europe and the USSR, and in our time this style is also popular in home interiors.
What is brutalism Brutalism is one of the varieties of post-war modernism, which is based on raw materials. Now this style, like a loft, is in great demand; designers often combine them in the interior. Brutalism is somewhat similar to minimalism with its laconic choice of decor items.
Features of brutalism - The essence of brutalism is in flaunting rough simplicity and ascetic design: - Demonstration of the material from which a house is built or an interior item is made: exposed concrete, brick, piles, and communication pipes; - Sculptural and strict lines, right angles, lack of smooth, rounded shapes; - Exclusion of decor: things in brutalism are primarily functional; - Unedited “flaws”: instead of plastering an uneven wall, it is customary in brutalism to flaunt it; - Space: the style does not tolerate small spaces and is suitable for large areas; - Natural, minimalistic, often monochrome color scheme; - Predominant materials: concrete, metal, wood, and glass.
Brutalism in architecture The history of brutalist architecture begins with destruction. After the Second World War, many buildings in the UK fell into ruins, and building materials were in short supply. Architects began to use cheap raw materials, creating houses with concrete facades.
Brutalism in the interior
Designers often refer to the term “honesty” as the basis of brutalism. The style is used in modern houses and apartments, mainly in new buildings. Concrete ceilings and walls are left without putty and color, at most they are covered with matte varnish. They combine natural materials: stone, glass, iron sheets, concrete and wooden surfaces in one room.
In addition to finishing, in brutalism as opposed to glamour, it is important to pay attention to filling the interior: - A limited number of items: they must be functional and without decor; - Built-in furniture along the walls, strict geometry of space; - Concise colors; bright accents are acceptable, but a maximum of one or two shades should prevail in the room; - The furniture is made of natural materials in their natural form; - The light in the room is as natural as possible – street lighting is supplemented with lamps in a minimalist design; - Metal communication pipes do not hide, but are made of decorative elements, for example, highlighting with a Contrasting color. Plants, paintings and photographs are acceptable, but there should be few of them.