Brutalist Plants

by Olivia Broome

Genres: Architecture, Art, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

Published July 16, 2024

Reviews

[shmump · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some structures have multiple appearances, which isn't a bad thing per se; the decision however, to put them pages apart(except for one case) makes very little sense to me. It's very difficult to imagine the structures in their complete 3D entirety from a single 2D depiction – why not make the task easier by simply organizing the pictures? Perhaps even more importantly, the different perspectives and completely different views therefrom would lend themselves wonderfully to the appreciation of the multifacetedness of the structures, were they simply next to each other. It is also just annoying, having to flip through the entire book to look up a single structure – once again, a very weird, easily avoidable decision. Mind you, there are only a few such cases, most structures appear only once.
From the written passages, of which there aren't many, I, for my part, got the feeling of Brutalist architecture being pitched against nature and them being portrayed as these two almost antonymous things, which "surprisingly" work with eachother. Architecture is solely based in nature and every architectural style is, in one way or the other, an attempt of imitation. Brutalism is perhaps the most primitive and fundamental contemporary attempt to do so – a marriage with plants is less so a revelation, rather a natural evolution and/or logical conclusion. It is hardly a good advertisement for an already polarising style to portray it as the definition of industrialism and the polar opposite of anything living and natural.

Other than that, a very nice collection of ecobrutalist structures, mostly buildings and sculptures.

Good way to test whether someone has any ability of perceiving aesthetic or if they live their life with their eyes up their ass.

[Emma Demopoulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures in this are way cool! The combination of harsh concrete and greenery isn’t something I thought I would like, but I very much do. It’s like if sci-fi solarpunk was design movement. I wish that the book had a tad more information on brutalism and how it got combined with plants. Overall, I really liked flipping through the pages.

[Luca The Nomad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutalist Nature is an extremely interesting and thought provoking book that redefines how we view brutalism in a whole. not just as an architectural style, but as a dynamic, culturally diverse form of expression. What makes this book truly stand out is the way it showcases brutalism from a wide range of perspectives, highlighting how its portrayed across different regions and traditions, rather than confining it to its often stereotyped origins.

It’s refreshing to see brutalism presented in such a positive and nuanced light. Olivia Broome doesn’t shy away from the bold, raw aesthetics of the style, but instead embraces its depth, utility, and surprising beauty on how it’s integrated within nature. The visuals and accompanying narratives do an excellent job of challenging preconceived notions and inviting readers to see brutalism through a new lens, one that appreciates its intersection with nature and emotion.

On a personal note, I had the chance to speak with Olivia Broome about the possibility of a second book, and she was incredibly kind and open to hearing thoughts and suggestions. Her openness and passion for the subject are clear, both in the book and in conversation, which only adds to the richness of this already compelling work.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

So creative.
The Brutalist architecture movement comes out of Europe after the second war as an antidote to decorative style. It became a framework for delivering change to cities for housing and offices, education and other uses. It is often derided for us grey rough concrete plainness. But it has form, volume, tiers, and providing counterpoint is lush native plants. The collision creates vibrant intertwined natural experience.
Gorgeous and innovative photography.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely photos of Brutalist architecture and plants from around the world.