Brutalist architecture and its influence on my work
Stacked from 8 images. Method=B (R=8,S=5)
Brutalist architecture, son of Modernism, was born in 1950s and declined after 20 years. The rough surfaces made of concrete, the monolithic and geometric shapes make the buildings immediately recognisable.
The term “Brutalism” (from the French “béton brut” that means raw concrete) has been coined by the British architects Alison and Peter Smithson.
Due to the compelling rebuilding necessities after World War II in Europe and the lack of time and resources necessary for fine finishes, Brutalism became the perfect style for housing solutions. Predominantly a British phenomenon, this style has been developed all over Europe and the Swiss-French architect Le Courbusier played a big role in establishing this architectural model.
Lately this style was associated and seen as cause and synonymous of social deprivation and crime and for this reason many buildings have been demolished.
Despite the short time of the use of the Brutalist style and the following demolitions, there are several brutalist buildings in London that I find extremely fascinating and inspiring: the Ministry of Justice, the Barbican Centre, the Hayward Gallery, the Brunswick Centre, the Centre Point just to mention some of them. They are all living part of the urban life and seem to match elegantly with the rest of the city.
As a jeweller I could compare these buildings to rough diamonds set perfectly in the surrounding landscape.
The roughness of the surfaces, the hidden elegance of the geometric and massive shapes has alway fascinated me and I wanted to replicate that style in an architectural collection mixing the Brutalist vibes with my love for sinuous shapes and lights (obviously from my Italian heritage). Apparently in contrast with concrete and glass I wanted to use Platinum and Diamonds to recognise the artistic value of Brutalism with the most long lasting materials in jewellery.
