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> Correct, brutalism is concerned with total utilitarianism and a complete lack of artifice but, every brutalist structure i’ve had the displeasure to work in

> Correct, brutalism is concerned with total utilitarianism and a complete lack of artifice but, every brutalist structure i’ve had the displeasure to work in sucked for humans to occupy and interact with. They completely prioritize artifice over functional matters.

cproctor 5y ago
I often find brutalist buildings to be comfortable and inspiring.
jrochkind1 5y ago
There are a number of brutalist academic libraries that I find delightful to be inside of, using them for library purposes. Somehow it's a style suited for libraries? I went to school here, and this one from the OUTSIDE I don't love, but on the INSIDE it's actually a delightful place to read, browse the stacks, study, or nap. And has been beloved by generations of students. https://www.oberlin.edu/mudd-center https://www.oberlin.edu/mudd-center University Library at Northwestern University, I find lovely outside as well as pleasant inside: https://www.library.northwestern.edu/ https://www.library.northwestern.edu/ (There are some alternate entrances and terraces which are closed due to notions of "security" in a facility like this, but which would make it even more pleasant and human-oriented if open. I guess that is then one way it's design ended up incompatible with at least current usage demands. I'm curious if they were open to patrons when the building first opened).
- NoGravitas 5y ago
  You may be right. My hometown's library and civic center (pool, gym, meeting rooms) are brutalist, and I always found them delightful.
zozbot234 5y ago
The first modernist architects were implicitly working with a theory that simply highlighting the "raw" use of new, high-tech materials like metal or concrete would result in an enjoyable, decorative look. They weren't necessarily going for a "brutal" appearance, that was more of an unintended consequence that only became clear in retrospect.
michaelscott 5y ago
Yup, that's the after effect of being anti-human in ideal. It results in a building that it sucks to be in.

cproctor 5y ago

I often find brutalist buildings to be comfortable and inspiring.

jrochkind1 5y ago

There are a number of brutalist academic libraries that I find delightful to be inside of, using them for library purposes. Somehow it's a style suited for libraries? I went to school here, and this one from the OUTSIDE I don't love, but on the INSIDE it's actually a delightful place to read, browse the stacks, study, or nap. And has been beloved by generations of students. https://www.oberlin.edu/mudd-center https://www.oberlin.edu/mudd-center University Library at Northwestern University, I find lovely outside as well as pleasant inside: https://www.library.northwestern.edu/ https://www.library.northwestern.edu/ (There are some alternate entrances and terraces which are closed due to notions of "security" in a facility like this, but which would make it even more pleasant and human-oriented if open. I guess that is then one way it's design ended up incompatible with at least current usage demands. I'm curious if they were open to patrons when the building first opened).

NoGravitas 5y ago
You may be right. My hometown's library and civic center (pool, gym, meeting rooms) are brutalist, and I always found them delightful.

zozbot234 5y ago

The first modernist architects were implicitly working with a theory that simply highlighting the "raw" use of new, high-tech materials like metal or concrete would result in an enjoyable, decorative look. They weren't necessarily going for a "brutal" appearance, that was more of an unintended consequence that only became clear in retrospect.

michaelscott 5y ago

Yup, that's the after effect of being anti-human in ideal. It results in a building that it sucks to be in.