Nature's Resurgence: Captivating Images of Greenery Embracing Brutalist Structures

Editor’s Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series that focuses on the environmental challenges our planet is facing, as well as the solutions to these challenges. Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative has teamed up with CNN to raise awareness and educate people about important sustainability issues, and to encourage positive actions.

Austere. Stark. Cold.

Brutalist architecture is often perceived very differently compared to how we typically describe the natural world as vibrant and green.

However, a new photobook is delving into the connection between nature and Brutalist architecture, discovering beauty in the juxtaposition. It features various structures such as a theater in Japan and a library in Canada.

"Brutalist Plants" is a book curated by Olivia Broome, who also created the popular @brutalistplants Instagram community with over 30,000 followers. It offers a unique blend of futuristic and nostalgic perspectives.

Broome's goal with the book is to encourage people to see the built environment in a new light and appreciate how it can harmonize with nature.

“Either we all exist in harmony with nature and concrete, or we all mess it up so badly that nature is going to overtake everything that we build,” she said.

Dystopia or utopia?

Brutalism, also known as "New Brutalism," is an architectural style known for its strong presence, geometric shapes, clean lines, exposed concrete, and use of monochromatic color schemes.

Its popularity reached its peak during the 1950s and '70s and is often linked to the UK and Eastern Europe. However, this global style can trace its origins back to early 20th-century buildings from various countries, particularly those designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, who emphasized functionality and bold, sculptural forms.

Broome, originally from the UK, was raised in Geneva, Switzerland, where her fascination with Brutalism first began. Surrounded by mountains and concrete, she was influenced by the abundance of Le Corbusier's buildings in the city. Reflecting on it now, Brutalist architecture feels like a comforting and familiar environment to her.

The idea for the "Brutalist Plants" platform initially started as a personal hobby. Broome shared photos on Tumblr before transferring the project to Instagram in 2018. The account showcases the work of various photographers, giving proper credit with tags. As the community has expanded to tens of thousands, many photographers and creators now eagerly contribute their work to the platform.

Broome was drawn to the images because of the interesting contrast between the cold concrete and the softness of nature, giving them a unique and ambiguous "dystopian or utopian feel."

"A lot of them have a modernist vibe, leaning towards a utopian vision," Broome explained. Some of the photos depict imaginative ways of how we could live, incorporating plants and balconies. Additionally, the architectural renders and AI-generated scenes present hopeful visions of a future where our urban environment harmoniously coexists with nature.

"Casa Alférez" is a home in a Mexican forest, designed by French architect Ludwig Godefroy.

"Casa Alférez" is a home in a Mexican forest, designed by French architect Ludwig Godefroy.

Some of the images in Rory Gardiner's collection have a darker feeling. She mentioned that a few show overgrown architectural spaces that no longer exist. These images were submitted by urban explorers who explore abandoned buildings.

The photos in the book mainly feature architecture and nature, with very few images including people. According to Broome, some photos intentionally exclude humans to highlight the connection between the built environment and nature. She believes that human presence can blur this relationship. In her words, "The book doesn't show any people living in it. It's all about plants thriving."

Controversial structures

The book includes 150 photos of buildings, artworks, and sculptures. Broome mentioned that the images are a mix of photos from the Instagram account and unseen photos from other sources.

Broome is excited to showcase the diversity of Brutalist works from 41 countries in the book. He also looks forward to highlighting the influence of this architectural style on modern structures and artworks.

One of the most talked-about images that Broome shared on Instagram and included in her book is a photograph of a sculpture by German artist Karsten Födinger. The sculpture consists of a slab of concrete that is supported by a row of pine trees, giving the appearance of a concrete table attached to the trees. Some online viewers criticized the sculpture, saying it was harmful to the trees and went against nature. Others saw the combination of concrete and wood, commonly used in house construction, as a representation of shelter with an artistic touch. Broome mentioned that there was a lively debate surrounding this sculpture.

Karsten Födinger's sculpture in La Vallée, Basse-Normandie, France.

Karsten Födinger's sculpture in La Vallée, Basse-Normandie, France.

Karsten Födinger

Many of the images are significant to Broome. For example, a photo of a building in Geneva is just a short walk from where her father resides. Additionally, some of the buildings captured in Melbourne and Canberra, Australia, are places she has explored with loved ones.

After returning to London to pursue design and journalism studies at university, Broome currently resides in the UK. She finds inspiration in the numerous Brutalist buildings scattered across the country, such as the Barbican Theatre, where the book launch will take place.

She thinks that Brutalist buildings should be saved for the future. She also believes that incorporating nature into these structures demonstrates their ability to adapt.

According to her, many Brutalist buildings are at risk of being lost because their value is not always recognized. However, there are architects, some of whom are highlighted in the book, who are dedicated to making Brutalism more appealing and showcasing its potential to enhance various environments.

Brutalist Plants, published by Hoxton Mini Press, is out on May 16, 2024

Editor's P/S:

"Brutalist Plants" offers a fascinating perspective on the interplay between nature and architecture. While Brutalist structures are often characterized by their austere and imposing presence, the book reveals a hidden connection with the organic world. Through a collection of striking images, it invites us to reconsider the relationship between the built environment and the natural world, and to appreciate the beauty that can arise from their juxtaposition.

The book serves as a reminder that even within the stark geometric forms of Brutalist architecture, there is room for harmony with nature. It challenges the notion that concrete and greenery are incompatible, and instead presents a vision of cohabitation and balance. By showcasing examples from around the world, "Brutalist Plants" advocates for the preservation of Brutalist structures and encourages us to embrace a more sustainable and integrated approach to urban design.