The Evolution of Architecture

Modern architecture has taken an extreme shift in the last few decades from the extravagant, detail-oriented designs of the past into the sleek, clean-edged designs of the present age. The intricate, magnificent designs given to us through French Classical and Gothic architecture placed an emphasis on beauty and exorbitance. Critics of this style believe it to be excessive and unnecessary as it serves no purpose to functionality of the building itself. In a somewhat extreme pendulum swing, this gave birth to an era of architecture that focused on materials and rawness; it utilized the use of unfinished concrete, boxy shapes, and open-beam design. This style of design, typically referred to as Brutalism, is a product of post-war United Kingdom’s desire to rebuild infrastructure around the idea of practicality and non-assumption.

We have reacted against an architecture that is absolute, uninvolved, and abstract. We have moved towards an architecture that is specific and concrete, involving itself with the social geographic context…rather than an uncommitted abstract structure that could be any place…without identity or presence.

- Gerhard Kallmann à architect for Boston City Hall (pictured below)

Very similar to modern art of the 21st century, Brutalism is described by its advocates as an expression of purpose and meaning. It exhibits authority and brashness; and when you see it...you feel it. Ironically, the brutalists description of the ideology behind their design seems to be very abstract (which is exactly what the original brutalists critiqued with classic architecture.)

However, you don’t need to explain why classic architecture is beautiful. In fact, you be the judge. Below is a picture of Philadelphia City Hall.

Between the two city halls, which one of these environments seems to inspire and cultivate greatness and beauty? An attention to detail? Patience? Grandiose? Which environment seems to perpetuate mundanity? Ordinariness? Secularism? Does one make you feel called to a higher purpose, while the other makes you feel uninspired?

The truth is, Brutalism has been in the center of scrutiny for quite some time—many reject its intended purpose and further reject the outcome. While these two categories of design are most definitely not the sole players in the game, they are representative of the extremes. Modern style design seems to emulate characteristics of both classical and brutalist ideas.

Simple, elegant, clean, purposeful, and intentional. Maybe the best of both worlds? What do you think? Is modern design simply a product of the times? Or perhaps it’s neo-brutalism—simply a new version of transgressive ideology of the mid-1950s?

Send us some of your favorite pieces of architecture. What category do you think it falls under?