KOCHI: Take a walk down any Indian street at any time of the day. Go with a singular purpose — to soak in the beauty of the buildings that line it. Discipline your mind not to lose focus anywhere on the way. No potholes, open drains, or mopeds parked on narrow pavements should deter you enough to shift your line of vision. Only the buildings and the beauty of their aesthetics!
The outcome is an easy guess even for the less travelled amongst us headache, a major or minor case of disillusionment, and definitely, an urgent need to visit the ophthalmologist to treat the exposure to an overdose of colours. Yet, most of us live in perfect harmony with the chaos of our cityscapes, unmindful of its jarring notes and discordant tunes.
It would come as a surprise to know then, that not everyone in this world has been oblivious to the structures that surround and define their daily lives. In 2020, US President Donald Trump demanded that all future federal buildings conform to a classical architectural style. However, former President Joe Biden withdrew this executive order which targeted Brutalist architecture,though its reappearance is a possibility.
So, what is Brutalism and why did it even matter enough to warrant an embargo? To put it in simple terms, Brutalist architecture makes use of exposed, unpainted concrete or brick, with an emphasis on minimalism and functionalism. Showcasing bare building materials and utility are priority rather than leaning towards decorative designs.
The style emerged in the 1950s in the post-World War II era and instantly became popular primarily because of the low cost of the construction materials involved. The destruction in the aftermath of the war had left most cities strapped for finances and with concrete being easily available in large quantities, it was the natural choice in the process of reconstruction.
The designers who were part of the movement did not have provocation on their minds nor was it a rebellious act. The style was merely meant to bring about a sense of equality in a society where until then, the opulent edifices were for the elite as an unwritten rule. Brutalism proclaimed its acceptance of all regardless of race or class.
It wasn’t just Trump who had issues with this unflattering style. Many consider it an eyesore; cold in its appearance and suffocating with its air of authority. The buildings were also susceptible to weather conditions and decay which added to the grim facade over the years. The naysayers may put forth many such arguments, but it cannot be denied that Brutalism is an architectural style that is as honest as it can ever be. It is simple and functional with a deep reverence for materials.
Brutalist architecture may have softened after the 1980s but it still strives to accommodate purpose and location. No matter its dreary concrete slab look, banning an entire style is detrimental to the freedom of expression. Let us open our minds to acceptance of the unpretentious too!