Brutalism

As an architectural style, brutalism stands for raw, unadorned aesthetics. This is one of the reasons why it found a particularly fertile foundation in Eastern Europe and the Balkans during the 20th century. Brutalism is characterized by its massive, monolithic form and the frequent use of exposed concrete. As a result, it also reflected a time of sometimes brutal social, political and cultural change.

In Eastern Europe, Brutalism was particularly widespread because the communist regimes saw it as a way of manifesting their ideological values of community, equality and functionality. The buildings were not only intended to be practical, but also to symbolize the power and permanence of the state.

A key difference between Brutalism in Eastern Europe and the Balkans and its counterpart in the West therefore also lies in its political symbolism. While Brutalism in the West was often seen as an expression of artistic freedom and experimentation, in Eastern Europe and the Balkans it served as an instrument of state propaganda. The buildings were often more monumental and expressive, designed to inspire awe and respect for state power.

The study of Brutalism in this region is fascinating for several reasons. Firstly, it offers insights into the social and political conditions of the time in which these buildings were created. Secondly, it shows the creative adaptation of an architectural style to different cultural and political contexts. Thirdly, many of these buildings are under threat today, as they are often associated with a difficult historical period and their preservation is the subject of controversial debate. The examination of Brutalism in Eastern Europe and the Balkans is therefore not only an examination of architecture, but also an immersion in the recent history and culture of a complex and multi-layered region.