Brutalism is one of the most striking architectural movements of the mid-20th century. Known for their monumental appearance and use of raw materials, brutalist buildings often evoke strong opinions and sort of love-hate relationships. And so, this piece would be for all the architecture nerds of mine — enjoy and explore your gut feeling — is brutalism kiss or kill for you?

Location: Brasília, Brazil  

Architect: Oscar Niemeyer  

Year: 1962

This is an insane building, and you might have seen it on Instagram if you had followed any of the architectural pages. Oscar Niemeyer, one of the key figures in modern architecture, was a pioneer in using reinforced concrete to create dramatic curves and forms. His work significantly shaped the modern face of Brazil's capital, Brasília. A passionate communist and a disciple of Le Corbusier, Niemeyer's designs reflected his desire to create accessible, innovative, and socially conscious structures.

The Itamaraty Palace, also known as the Palace of the Arches, houses Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The building stands out for its sweeping arches, which form an elegant contrast to the starkness of brutalist concrete. The palace is surrounded by a reflecting pool, which further softens the intensity of its bold design and acts as a natural cooling system. While it adheres to the brutalist ethos of exposed concrete, the building’s delicate proportions and Niemeyer’s signature curves make it a standout in brutalist architecture.

Location: Birmingham, UK  

Architect: Bicknell & Hamilton  

Year: 1964

The New Street Signal Box, or as locals lovingly call it, “The Big Box,” is one of Birmingham’s most iconic examples of brutalism. Designed by the British architects Bicknell & Hamilton, the building reflects a period in Britain when industrial architecture embraced the brutalist style to express functionality in an austere yet honest manner. 

The building’s construction is purposefully raw, with exposed concrete panels arranged in a chevron pattern. It symbolises the transition from traditional to modern architectural styles in post-war Britain. While The Big Box may seem utilitarian at first glance, its bold form makes it an unforgettable part of Birmingham’s architectural landscape.

Location: Ahmedabad, India  

Architect: Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi  

Year: 1961

B.V. Doshi, India’s first Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, was a key figure in defining India’s modern architectural identity. Deeply influenced by his mentor, Le Corbusier (we mention him a lot, but we’ll get there soon), Doshi’s works reflect a blend of traditional Indian design sensibilities and modernist principles.

The Tagore Memorial Hall, built in Ahmedabad, is a tribute to the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. To give you a bigger picture on B.V. Doshi’s inspirations, here’s one of the timeless poems by the poet. 

Gitanjali

“Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure. This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again, and fillest it ever with fresh life.

This little flute of a reed thou hast carried over hills and dales, and hast breathed through its melodies eternally new.

At the immortal touch of thy hands my little heart loses its limits in joy and gives birth to utterance ineffable.

Thy infinite gifts come to me only on these very small hands of mine. Ages pass, and still thou pourest, and still there is room to fill.”

The building, with its dramatic cantilevered roof and large concrete fins, is a testament to Doshi’s brutalist influence. The structure is known for its raw texture and play of light and shadow, with vast, uninterrupted spaces that echo the poet’s universal themes of spirituality and culture.

Location: Marseille, France  

Architect: Le Corbusier  

Year: 1952

Finally, we got to the OG of Brutalism. Le Corbusier, the father of modern architecture, is undoubtedly one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, if not the most influential one. He is known for his radical urban planning concepts and innovative use of concrete, pushing the boundaries of architecture to include both form and function. 

The Unité d'Habitation in Marseille, also called the "Cité Radieuse," was designed as a solution to the housing crisis after World War II. It is a large housing complex, or vertical city, with 337 apartments, a rooftop terrace, and a series of communal facilities, all designed to create a self-sufficient community. This building is a prime example of brutalism with its raw, exposed concrete and rigid geometric form. Despite its heaviness, the bright colours of the interior spaces and the strategic use of light make it a livable and inspiring architectural experiment.

If you'd be interested in learning more about his philosophy and architectural observations of the 20th century — read “When the Cathedrals Were White” (1964). While reading, try to catch if it feels a bit like he’s describing Dubai of the modern century. 

Location: Montreal, Canada  

Architect: Moshe Safdie  

Year: 1967

Moshe Safdie is renowned for his innovative and humanistic approach to design. Habitat 67, which was originally created as part of the Expo 67 World’s Fair, was one of his earliest projects, and it remains one of his most famous works.

Habitat 67 is a modular housing complex that challenges traditional ideas of residential design. It consists of 354 identical prefabricated concrete boxes, stacked in various configurations to form 146 individual apartments. The design promotes a sense of community while also ensuring privacy, with each unit having its own garden terrace. This pioneering work combines brutalist materials with a futuristic vision, making it a globally recognized landmark in both brutalism and modernist architecture.