Looking Back: Summer Series Brutal Brutalism
13 September 2023
What is the value of brutalist buildings? Because the characteristic rough, unfinished concrete or masonry and the bold, block-like forms are certainly not to everyone’s taste. A lively societal discussion about the value of post-’65 buildings, and brutalism in particular, got us thinking. We looked into our own archive and presented in a 7-part summer series which gems, in our opinion, deserve a strong reevaluation. And for those for whom it is not too late, worthy of being designated as monuments!
We have gathered all episodes of the 7-part summer series below. And we are curious, do you appreciate these bold buildings?
1/7Aula TU Delft (1966)
The Aula of Delft University of Technology, with nicknames like ‘the frog’ and ‘the UFO,’ is an iconic example of Brutalist architecture in the Netherlands. Get to know this ‘concrete brute.’
2/7 Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CiTG) (1957-1975)
A must-see, this 260-meter-long building of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CiTG) at Delft University of Technology. This brutalist educational building showcases what it is made of.
3/7 Reformed Church (1958-1962)
Purity. That is what the architects aimed to convey with the choice of simple materials, such as concrete blocks and prefabricated prestressed beams.
4/7 Townhall Eden (1974-1976)
In the citycenter of Ede, this elongated grey concrete building stands out. The abundance of concrete, bold shapes, and vibrant orange tile lines can be described as at least ‘bold.’
5/7 City Hall Terneuzen (1963-1972)
This ‘concrete ark,’ located on the dike of the Westerschelde, exudes pure brutalist beauty. Here, we see brutalism in its purest form.
6/7 World Broadcasting Hilversum (1961)
An outspoken building with a rich history in Dutch broadcasting history? You’ll find that in Hilversum.
7/7 TNO-Complex Apeldoorn (1973)
We conclude our summer series with a brutal gem that did not withstand the test of time. In 2017, the TNO complex in Apeldoorn was demolished. Would we make the same decision today?
