Adapting brutalist buildings

A historical research how brutalist buildings evolved after their completion

Student report (2023)

Authors

N.S.M. van Haren Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

I. Nevzgodin Heritage & Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2023 Nolan van Haren van Haren
More Info
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Published Date

20-04-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

Brutalist buildings have, until recently, been loved by few. As a result, many Brutalist buildings have fallen into disrepair, and some have even been demolished. Nowadays, many suggestions are made about how these brutalist buildings can be restored and future-proofed. This research looks at Brutalist buildings that have been transformed since their construction to ensure their survival. This will provide the inspiration needed for future renovations of brutalist buildings.

The main research question of this thesis is: “How did brutalist buildings adapt after being built over time?”. Using the Aula of the TU Delft as the case study project, this question is answered. The Aula by Van den Broek en Bakema, a Dutch architecture firm, since its completion has seen two major renovations. Once in 1991 by Evert Kleijer, and later by Mecanoo in 1998. These two alterations vary in size, impact, and success, which makes it a perfect project to analyse.

These alterations have had an impact on the brutalist essence of the building. The first one altered the exterior view, but through the usage of similar materials, and gravitating towards original design ideas, had minimal negative impact on the brutalist feeling of the Aula. The second alteration, on the other hand, destroyed key design concepts in the interior whilst also clashing with the original materials, shapes, and construction methods and caused major damage to the brutalist essence of the building. The research highlights the importance of respecting the original design concepts and the essence of a building when making alterations.