What is brutalist architecture?

I found a very informative podcast about a form of architecture that does not get much praise. Brutalist architecture came out of the 1960’s Europe, when it was too expensive to build from steel. It mostly traces back to French-Swiss architect Le Corbusier, and is known for it’s use of raw concrete. Many people think of brutalism as “ugly” and “communist looking”, but there are many examples of amazing structures in this style, including the Geisel Library in my home town of San Diego.

Geisel Library at University of California at San Diego is an example of brutalist architecture

While it’s true, sometimes it’s used in boring ways, I think you would agree that the above building is hardly boring. This topic is explored in more detail at the WBUR show “Here and Now” in both podcast, and written form.

Qualcomm / Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego

Another example in San Diego is Jack Murphy / Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, completed in 1967. More about that stadium can be found in this Voice of San Diego article. The stadium has most recently hosted the San Diego Chargers football team, and used to host the San Diego Padres, before Petco Park was built.

Brutalism architecture arches