Brutalist architecture – how fascinating it is. The concrete stares you in the face, unapologetic about its minimalistic, unadorned and severe impression. Add to that angular shapes and you have a construction that many struggle to stomach. For me it was attraction at first sight, I find brutalism so ugly it’s cool. I find no other way of describing it. More importantly, from a garden design perspective, brutalist architecture just forms the funkiest of backdrops for greenery. Normally you would say that garden design has to fit a certain architectural style. Brutalism is open to greenery interpretation. At the Barbican Conservatory in London the style is combined with exotica, at the National Theatre, as seen here, it’s minimalistic grass (mainly).
In the latter instance, what you see is a simplistic layout comprising raised borders providing seating and lush greenery. At night sophisticated lighting adds an extra dimension and perspective. It’s good place for mingling as well as contemplation. I found it rather interesting reading about the hands-on construction of this garden, the logistics required sounds like quite an undertaking. Not least when considering that all work took place with the venue open to the public. Unwanted noise would not, I’m sure, have been all that appreciated …
