Why So Many U.S. Government Buildings Are Brutalist
The post-World War II era saw a significant expansion of the U.S. bureaucratic state. The federal government's roles and responsibilities grew, leading to the construction of numerous headquarters and administrative buildings. This period of expansion coincided with the peak of the Brutalist movement, resulting in many of these new buildings being designed in this style. The need for large, functional office spaces to accommodate the growing bureaucracy found a fitting solution in Brutalism’s utilitarian and scalable design approach.
A significant yet often overlooked influence on the architectural direction of U.S. government buildings was Daniel Patrick Moynihan. As an advisor and later a senator, Moynihan played a crucial role in shaping federal architectural policies. His "Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture," written in 1962, emphasized that federal buildings should convey dignity, enterprise, vigor and stability, which brutalism conveyed to people of the time. While not explicitly advocating for Brutalism, Moynihan's principles supported the creation of monumental and enduring government buildings, which aligned well with the Brutalist aesthetic. His vision helped ensure that government buildings would be seen as symbols of the nation's strength and stability.
Brutalism evokes strong opinions. We see merits but definitely appreciate our current era of sleek parametric curves and abundant greenery.
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How inviting! Who wouldn't want to buckle down and get things done in this fabulous environment? Beautiful!