Brutalism in architecture can be seen throughout different parts of the
world. It was a term used to describe ideas and theories in Great Britain
from 1950 to 1960 which included numerous unique features. These
include raw and exposed materials as well as block forms, that were also
used in construction and as a result showcased the design elements of
rough surfaces, unusual shapes, and large forms. Brutalists placed heavy
emphasis on the exposure of structural materials, showcasing the raw
materials and structure throughout the building’s footprint. Brutalism
emerged after the second world war and held functionalism and
monumental simplicity that had contributed to defining architectural
modernism, including the International Style. Urban construction was an
essential part of the post-war dynamic, which is why brutalism adapted
to such urgent conditions. Brutalism became the style of choice because
of these reasons, predominantly in affordable residential architecture.
The architectural approach was considered a movement in modern
architecture and was responsible for numerous unique building designs
of the twentieth century. In this book chapter, the Western Gate City
towers designed by Mihajlo Mitrovic, completed in 1979 and the Trellick
Tower that was completed in 1972 by design of architect Erno Goldfinger
are clear representations of brutalist architecture and will be discussed in
this chapter to determine which of the two buildings were better suited,
or successful.
Courtesy of Aleksija Janovic
