Brutalist Architecture

Every concept is open to criticism and to this end Brutalist architecture over time has had its fair share.   Sometimes described as being colourless, unemotional, rough form, with a coldness of facades of exposed concrete. Often some are now seen as structures that are falling apart, dirty, bleak and uncompromising. Put simply, Brutalism has a poor reputation, and for some, is the culprit for current urban decay.

Conversely, designed by renown “Brutalist” architect Denys Landon the University of East Anglia (UEA) Campus and built during the 1960’s, is now regarded as one of the UK’s leading examples of this type of architecture and has since been awarded Grade ll listed status.

Sometime in the future I hope to take a series of photographs at the UEA that captures the nature and energy of the campus architecture in a way that demonstrates some aspects of my photography I enjoy and in which I find inspiration.

I’ll deliberately not include the human form in my photographs and will seek out examples of interesting shapes, textures and symmetry synonymous of Brutalist architecture from which I will find a hidden emotion and beauty that’s not always apparent at first sight. I feel that by not including people, removing colour and using black and white in my imagery it helps the viewer focus on the shape and form of the architectural elements.

“That’s my challenge and I can’t wait to make start.”