Ode to Brutalism

[RandomWalk]

Montreal Metro is the one example of Brutalism that I can tolerate. It probably helps that it’s well maintained.

 

[chrisbrat]

Montreal Metro is the one example of Brutalism that I can tolerate. It probably helps that it’s well maintained.

I agree on both points.

I don't know if you were around (I was very little, but recall it vividly) -- and I don't know that they're 100% "brutalist" per se (not fully reliant on raw/exposed concrete) -- but when Alewife and Porter stations first opened (in particular Porter) they were absolutely stunningly breathtaking. Unfortunately, unlke Montreal Metro (and, sadly, like all of the T stations, apparently from now until the end of time) they have *not* been well maintained. Complete shame, b/c those two stations were marvels.

 

[RandomWalk]

I am young enough to only vaguely remember when the Alewife extension opened. By the time I was routinely riding through them, they were beaten up.

I briefly worked for the artist who created the Glove Cycle. She told me many stories about the work that went into their creation, and I saw some really neat photos of the installation.

 

[statler]

I really like Stewart Hicks. not sure why he is doing these sort of gimmicky, wink wink videos now. This is the second one I've seen him do. Probably trying to appease the YiouTube algorithm like everyone else I guess.

Edit: OR he could genuinely think they are funny and I am just being a curmudgeon.

 

[bigpicture7]

University of Melbourne Student Pavilion

KoningEizenberg Architecture uses mixed materials for facade of University of Melbourne Student Pavilion

Koning Eizenberg Architecture uses concrete, wood, and mesh for facade of University of Melbourne Student Pavilion.

www.archpaper.com

I could see a treatment like this greatly improving MIT's Stratton student center...

 

[Charlie_mta]

University of Melbourne Student Pavilion

KoningEizenberg Architecture uses mixed materials for facade of University of Melbourne Student Pavilion

Koning Eizenberg Architecture uses concrete, wood, and mesh for facade of University of Melbourne Student Pavilion.

www.archpaper.com

I could see a treatment like this greatly improving MIT's Stratton student center...

If City Hall were encased in that type of vertical tube cladding, it would be look better.

 

[vanshnookenraggen]

Want a Better Society? Try Better Buildings.

An obsession with luxury is transforming cities into bland, isolating landscapes. Architecture should be for creating community.

www.nytimes.com

 

[statler]

Don't take this too seriously. Just a silly troll.

 

[dhawkins]

Stratton Student Center showing it's age

 

[Charlie_mta]

Stratton Student Center showing it's age

Concrete exteriors don't seem to age very well in this climate. The right color of paint applied to old concrete does wonders, such as the treatment done to the remnant of the GC Garage, next to the new State Street HQ tower (photo courtesy of lynqueezy):

 

[dhawkins]

It is sad that the concrete is not getting the maintenance /sealers it needs to remain in good condition. If MIT can't afford it, then no one does.

 

[Beton Brut]

Don’t miss this long-overdue exhibition at the MET. Seeing it myself in a couple of weeks.

 

[stefal]

Don’t miss this long-overdue exhibition at the MET. Seeing it myself in a couple of weeks.

The only reason I'm heading down later in the winter.

 

[Charlie_mta]

Don’t miss this long-overdue exhibition at the MET. Seeing it myself in a couple of weeks.

I still love the UMass Dartmouth campus and its buildings by Paul Rudolph, where I attended 1972-1976 when it was only a few years old. Fantastic buildings and layout of the campus by Mr. Rudolph.

 

[ritchiew]

Don’t miss this long-overdue exhibition at the MET. Seeing it myself in a couple of weeks.

There's a piece about this in the New York Times today, with some good pictures from the exhibit.

Paul Rudolph Was an Architectural Star. Now He’s a Cautionary Tale.

His Brutalist buildings, praised during the Kennedy era, are now being demolished. A new exhibition in Manhattan looks at the limits of genius.

www.nytimes.com

I was in NYC over the weekend and saw the exhibit when I was at the Met. I'm still not a fan of Rudolph's work, but I was excited to pop in because of these conversations here. It was really interesting. And maybe the best part was just eavesdropping, listening to other people, clearly from Boston, arguing about the merits of the Government Service Center.