brutalism

[ broot-l-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. Architecture. a style of modernist architecture, originating in the 1950s, characterized by exposed structural materials and plain, massive, often steeply angular geometric forms, typically of unfinished concrete.
2. a style in art, furniture, jewelry, etc., influenced by this architecture and often characterized by outsized elements or the use of unfinished or roughly textured materials.

brutalism

/ ˈbruːtəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. an austere style of architecture characterized by emphasis on such structural materials as undressed concrete and unconcealed service pipes Also callednew brutalism

Derived Forms

• ˈbrutalist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• bru·tal·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brutalism¹

First recorded in 1795–1805, for literal sense; brutal + -ism; in reference to architecture first used by British architects Alison Smithson (1928–93) and Peter Smithson (1923–2003) in 1953

Example Sentences

In late February, Lewis met up for martinis at the Westin Bonaventure’s revolving rooftop bar in downtown L.A.. famous for 360-degree views and swanky concrete brutalism.

From Los Angeles Times

The five-story granite and concrete structure is considered an important example of the architectural style known as brutalism.

From Seattle Times

There was a lot of theoretical architecture going around, mostly originated, I think, from the East Coast — postmodernism, brutalism, all of these ‘-isms.’

From Seattle Times

Trying to set a tone of African self-determination after countless years of colonial brutalism, Yellen embarked Wednesday on a 10-day visit of three African nations, starting with Senegal, aimed at promoting all the economic possibilities that lie between the U.S. and the world’s second-largest continent.

From Washington Times

Trying to set a tone of African self-determination after countless years of colonial brutalism, Yellen embarked on Wednesday on a 10-day visit of three African nations, starting with Senegal, aimed at promoting all the economic possibilities that lie between the U.S. and the world’s second-largest continent.

From Seattle Times