El Brutalism is more than just an architectural style—it's an aesthetic statement that emerged powerfully after World War II. Its name comes from the French béton brut, meaning “raw concrete,” the emblematic material that defines its visual identity.
Unlike traditional modernism, brutalism embraced monumental, expressive, unadorned structures, where form boldly reveals function.
Among its key pioneers was Le Corbusier, whose Unité d’Habitation project laid the foundation for a functional, social, and provocative architecture that inspired generations.
Brutalism in Contemporary Cinema
The film The Brutalist, starring Adrien Brody, marks a renewed interest in this architectural aesthetic. On screen, brutalism evokes dense, introspective, and visually striking settings. Its use in cinema reinforces its symbolic power—representing control, introspection, or futuristic utopias.
Brutalism in Latin America: Functionality, Art and Resistance
Latin America embraced brutalism with creativity and strength. Urban expansion, practical needs, and a desire for a unique architectural identity helped shape its evolution across the region.
National Library Mariano Moreno – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Designed by Clorindo Testa and Alicia Cazzaniga, this monumental structure rises on pilotis, preserving green space below. Its bold sculptural presence makes it a brutalist icon in the region.
Central Bank – Guatemala City, Guatemala
Created by José Montes Córdova and Raúl Minondo, this building features concrete reliefs with Mayan motifs, merging modern architecture with cultural heritage.
Cepal Building – Santiago, Chile
Inspired by Le Corbusier and designed by Emilio Duhart, this structure blends landscape, concrete, and water, embodying a brutalist yet harmonious urban presence.
UNAM Central Library & Rufino Tamayo Museum – Mexico City, Mexico
The Central Library, with its pre-Hispanic mosaic facade by Juan O’Gorman, merges symbolism and structure. Meanwhile, the Rufino Tamayo Museum, designed in the 1970s, showcases the evolution of brutalism in cultural spaces.
Metropolitan Cathedral – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
With a pyramid-shaped structure and stained glass that bathes the space in light, this cathedral reimagines religious architecture through a brutalist lens.
Teresa Carreño Theater – Caracas, Venezuela
An example of late brutalism, this 1983 theater combines massive volumes with excellent acoustics, making it a cultural landmark in Venezuela.
Russian Embassy – Havana, Cuba
This towering structure is a striking example of Soviet influence in the Caribbean, embodying the monumental nature of brutalist design.
A Style Between Controversy and Admiration
Brutalism has always sparked strong opinions. Its bold, raw forms can feel cold or imposing to some, while others see them as honest expressions of architectural integrity.
Today, brutalism’s influence extends from Latin American skylines to movie sets around the world. Its revival in film, art, and urban culture reflects a growing appreciation for its daring spirit. The brutalist architecture movement continues to challenge conventional aesthetics, redefining how we experience space in the modern city.
