brutalism

[broot-l-iz-uhm]

noun

1. Architecture.,  a style of modernist architecture, originating in the 1950s, characterized by exposed structural materials and plain, massive, often steeply angular geometric forms, typically of unfinished concrete.

2. a style in art, furniture, jewelry, etc., influenced by this architecture and often characterized by outsized elements or the use of unfinished or roughly textured materials.

brutalism

/ ˈbruːtəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. Also called: new brutalism. an austere style of architecture characterized by emphasis on such structural materials as undressed concrete and unconcealed service pipes

Other Word Forms

• brutalist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brutalism¹

First recorded in 1795–1805, for literal sense; brutal + -ism; in reference to architecture first used by British architects Alison Smithson (1928–93) and Peter Smithson (1923–2003) in 1953

Example Sentences

"Let's be honest, the enormous mass of 1960s brutalism was devastating for parts of Britain," said the TV presenter.

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The Banana Flats were given category A-listed status by Historic Environment Scotland as a leading example of Scottish brutalism in 2017.

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In 2017, they were given category A-listed status by Historic Environment Scotland as a leading example of Scottish brutalism.

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It came about, it might have even come about the exact same year that the term “brutalism” was coined and those first buildings were erected in the U.K. in the early 1950s.

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In late February, Lewis met up for martinis at the Westin Bonaventure’s revolving rooftop bar in downtown L.A.. famous for 360-degree views and swanky concrete brutalism.

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