Brutalism, Noun, ˈbruːt(ə)lɪz(ə)m/

a stark style of functionalist architecture, especially of the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by the use of steel and concrete in massive blocks.

Here at Londonewcastle we love brutalism and below we showcase some of our favourite brutalist buildings.

Balfron Tower

Nearest Tube- Westbourne Park

Architect- Erno Goldifinger

Oft-confused with its older sibling Trellick Tower, the behemoth grade two star listed Balfron Tower soars above the East London skyline and provides spectacular views out towards the city and Canary Wharf. Like Trellick Tower it’s configured with a separate service tower linked to the main building by a walkway at every third storey

Alexandra Road Estate

Nearest Tube- Swiss Cottage

Architect- Neave Brown

This futuristic low rise grade two star listed building was conceived by the newly formed local authority of Camden in the 1960s in response to the need for more housing and completed some 19 years later. It was the first of the post war housing estates to achieve listed status. It comprises two parallel pedestrianized streets and three, 300 metre-long, terraces. The largest of these, seven storeys high, backs on to the West Coast mainline, and is built ziggurat-style, high at the rear, to block the noise of passing trains. It was famously featured in 28 weeks later.

Ministry of Justice

Nearest Tube- St James Park

Architect- Basil Spence

It is hard to think of a more aptly designed building to suit its purpose. Orwellian in stature, Basil Spence’s post war building has a cantilevered projection at the top commanding an impressive vista out towards the immediate environs of St James Park, so if you ever find yourself being interrogated, at least you will have a nice view.

Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre

Nearest Tube- Waterloo

Architect- Norman Engleback

An intriguing melange of spiral staircases, jutted balconies & high beams juxtapose the Southbank Centre against its gentile Thames surroundings. The building is one of London’s most divisive and has drawn opprobrium from some of the city’s leading public figures. Love it or loathe it, the Southbank Centre nevertheless remains a testament to London’s ability to push the boundaries of convention and continually redefine itself.

Barbican Estate

Nearest Tube- Barbican

Architect- Chamberlin, Powell & Bon

Housing over 4,000 residents, the Barbican estate was conceived in 1959 across a 35 acre site that was devastated by Luftwaffe bombings during World War Two. It finally opened its doors some 23 years later in 1982. The estate is situated alongside the Barbican Centre, Guildhall School of Music and Drama as well as London Symphony Orchastra. Flats are distributed among three 43 storey towers- Shakespeare, Cromwell & Lauderdale.