The Beauty of Brutalist Architecture

The Allure of Brutalism: A Photographer's thoughts on the essence of Brutalist Architecture

Photography enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the vibrant colours of nature or the intricate details of historic buildings. However, there’s a whole other realm of architectural beauty that’s just waiting to be explored through the lens: brutalist architecture. With its raw concrete, bold geometric forms, and imposing structures, brutalism offers a unique aesthetic that can make for some truly captivating photographs. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why brutalist architecture is a fantastic subject for photography, and how you can leverage various techniques and composition principles to create stunning images.

1. Geometric Precision

One of the most striking features of brutalist architecture is its geometric precision. Buildings like Boston City Hall in the United States, with its bold lines and angular forms, provide a playground for photographers who enjoy capturing patterns and symmetry. When photographing such structures, consider using leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye into the frame. Lines created by the edges of the building can guide the viewer through the image and create a sense of depth.

Photography Tip:

• Use leading lines: Position yourself so that lines created by the building's edges lead towards a focal point in your image. This technique helps to create a sense of depth and draws the viewer’s attention.

2. Textural Richness

The raw, unfinished concrete of brutalist buildings is a treasure trove of textures waiting to be captured. The modular design of Habitat 67 in Montreal, Canada, with its concrete units, provides an abundance of rich textures that add depth to photographs. To highlight these textures, consider shooting in black and white. This can strip away color distractions and emphasize the intricate details of the concrete surfaces.

Photography Tip:

• Shoot in black and white: Black and white photography accentuates textures and details, making the raw concrete surfaces of brutalist buildings more prominent.

3. Play of Light and Shadow

The angular forms and deep recesses of brutalist architecture create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. Trellick Tower in London, with its towering height and sharp angles, offers countless opportunities to capture the interplay of light and shadow. Photographers can use this to their advantage by shooting during the golden hour when the low angle of the sun creates long shadows and a warm glow.

Photography Tip:

• Golden hour photography: Shoot during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) to capture dramatic contrasts and warm lighting. The long shadows cast by the angular structures can add depth and interest to your images.

4. Creative Compositions

Brutalist architecture often contrasts starkly with its urban surroundings, creating a fascinating juxtaposition that can be captured through creative compositions. The National Theatre in London, for instance, stands out against the more traditional architecture of the city. Experiment with framing techniques to emphasize this contrast. For example, use a foreground element to frame the brutalist structure, creating a layered composition that adds context and depth.

Photography Tip:

• Frame within a frame: Use elements in the foreground to frame the brutalist structure. This technique adds depth to your composition and draws attention to the main subject.

5. Emotional Impact

Brutalist architecture evokes strong emotions and reactions. The imposing and sometimes austere appearance of buildings like the Sesc Pompeia Cultural Center in São Paulo, Brazil, designed by Lina Bo Bardi, can convey a sense of strength and resilience. Photographers can harness these emotions to create powerful and thought-provoking images by focusing on elements that evoke a specific mood or feeling.

Photography Tip:

• Focus on mood: Pay attention to the mood and emotions evoked by the architecture. Use composition, lighting, and perspective to enhance these emotions and create images that resonate with viewers.

6. Documenting History

Brutalist architecture represents a significant period in architectural history. Buildings like the Church of Saint-Pierre in Firminy, France, designed by Le Corbusier, are architectural landmarks that tell the story of a specific era. By photographing these structures, photographers can document and preserve this important chapter in architectural history.

Photography Tip:

• Tell a story: Consider the historical and cultural significance of the brutalist structures you photograph. Use your images to tell a story about the architecture and its place in history.

Brutalist architecture offers a wealth of opportunities for photographers to explore and capture its unique aesthetic. From the geometric precision and rich textures to the dramatic play of light and shadow, there’s no shortage of elements to experiment with. By leveraging various photography techniques and composition principles, you can create stunning images that showcase the raw beauty of brutalism. So next time you’re looking for a new subject to photograph, venture into the world of brutalist architecture and discover the endless photographic possibilities it offers.

Happy shooting!