Brutalist Architecture

Royal National Theatre, designed by Dennis Lasdun in 1960s, it takes a very important part in numerous works of the London concrete art architecture. The upper and lower floors are alternated and strewn in a complicated way. The newcomers might be puzzled by it, but they could also be attracted by its moving image. The shape of the entire theatre is like interrelated small icebergs floating on the waves of the sea. Several terraces and different sizes of cylindrical space cross each other, which forms an important factor in its shape. The content of the theatre is very complex and the space is compact. The indoor and outdoor concrete do not be much decorated. The artistic appeal of architecture fully depends on the strong structural form and the spatial layout which is in accordance with functional requirements.

Taking Royal National Theatre as an example, large-scale, brutal and strong geometric cutting modelling is the sign of the times of brutalist Architecture. When the grey and giant constructions was first seen, people could read its thick lines, strong, powerful and

very simple texture. This is mainly because of the rough and simple concrete surface. Bold geometric cutting is usually used as the main structure of brutalist architecture. The essence which is more important lies in expressing the integrity of the material, so rough and solid concrete without decoration is the best medium. The development of architecture has been showing the development of the times and the needs of people, and is also a part which I have a great interest when I study the space. Brutalist architecture perfectly embodies the development of industry and the human’s demands for the practicability of space. The concise geometric structure it presents and the use of concrete has an impact on me. I’m very fond of the sense of heaviness and architecture brought by using concrete in my works.

Royal National Theatre, London