Hard Edge

A polarising mid-century style is making a contemporary resurgence.

- Rachel Gallaher

BRUTALISM IS BACK—and softer than ever. Marked by a stark, materials-forward palette and an imposing sidewalk presence, this mid-century aesthetic is arguably one of the most divisive architectural styles and a longstanding source of conflict in the design world. Some praise its modernist language and experimental forms, while others find its buildings heavy and oppressive. Recently, it has re-emerged with an elevated twist. No longer reserved for civic and institutional structures, brutalism has become a popular playground for many practitioners, from furniture makers to interior designers. Blocky silhouettes and bulky geometric shapes are cropping up in residential and commercial projects alike, but designers are softening the overall look with natural textures and elegant materials.