The Problem with The Brutalist (As an Architect)

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In this video, I dive into The Brutalist and how it powerfully captures the psychology of an architect. Through Laszlo Toth, we explore brutalism, beauty, ego, and sacrifice. I connect his story to real architects like Marcel Breuer, Louis Kahn, and Ernő Goldfinger, and movements like Bauhaus. From architecture school to material honesty and genius loci, this is about why some architects give everything in pursuit of timeless, meaningful design.

#Architecture #Architect #Brutalism #BrutalistArchitecture #Bauhaus #DesignTheory #ArchitectLife #StudioLife #MaterialHonesty #FormFollowsFunction #GeniusLoci #ModernArchitecture #ConcreteJungle #ArchitecturalDesign #ArchitectureSchool #ArchitectObsessed #ArchitectureStudent #ObsessedWithBeauty #ArchitectureCulture #DesignPhilosophy #MarcelBreuer #LouisKahn #ErnoGoldfinger #WalterGropius #MiesVanDerRohe #BauhausDesign #BrutalistDesign #WassilyChair #ArchitectLegends #PostwarArchitecture #TheBrutalist #ArtAndObsession #CreativeProcess #ArchitectureInFilm #MovieBreakdown #ArchitectureAndCinema #DesignCritique #VisualCulture #CinematicArchitecture #FilmEssay #BeautyInDesign #EgoAndArt #CreativeStruggle #ArchitecturalObsession #WhyWeBuild #MonumentalDesign #ArchitectureVsAesthetics #DesignWithSoul #ArchitecturePsychology #SacrificeForBeauty

[SeenGrand]

I studied architecture in Jordan and now I'm working as an architect in Germany(6 years now), and honestly the difference between the two worlds is insane... In jordan we're viewed as glorified artists, while in Germany they see architects as Engineers... and the reason for that is getting clearer to me every year... In jordan we learned so much about typology, herritage, the general and specific feel of the buildings we design, Design studios were mostly for conceptualizing and theorizing, understanding how people think and asking the "right" questions... but in Germany I feel so involved in all the construction aspects of the buildings we design, the functionality from heating, watersupply, electricity fire prevention and to protective measures, quantity surveying, and most importantly.. the Cost of the building... and I've made it my life's goal to the understand both worlds fully and be capable of mastering both of them.. I gave and sacrificed so much of my mental and physical health in Jordan while studying, and i find myself doing the same now in Germany... and I'm not sure if thats my ego doing all of that.. I never really considered myself to be a great architect by any means, but I see it as my responsibility because I was lucky enough to get to work in the field that I'm passionate about and I see myself capable of doing it... and honestly, the idea of leaving behind something that could resemble all the hard work I put into my profession makes it worth it, even though alot of the times it really doesn't feel like it...

just felt like sharing some deep thoughts that I usually have and this video triggered all the of them at once xD

*EDIT* : I didn't expect this amount of visibility and support. I won't pretend that this journey that I set myself on doesn't feel far fetched and lonely as hell sometimes... so I truly thank you all so much <3

[NithinPrakashz]

Brutalism has definitely withstood the test of time. It was universally hated throughout the decades.

[Paprokh]

As an architect it was super insightful to watch this video... because I exactly sacrificed a lot for my engineers urban design. Even though I tried to refuse the pressure and deadlines created by the school. I tunnelvisioned on my project of an ideal solarpunk city of the xxi century to make sure it is the most realistic paradigm solution for todays problems. And then after graduation I experienced the reality of the job hunt to burn me out completely.

[LaughterOnWater]

Your analysis of "The Brutalist" and architectural psychology struck a chord with me, particularly as someone who studied Landscape Architecture in a brutalist building for years. Living daily within those concrete walls, I experienced firsthand the disconnect between designer intent and human experience that defines Brutalism.

The glorification of suffering in architectural education—those four consecutive all-nighters you mentioned—the all-nighters I pulled too—creates a toxic culture similar to medical residency hazing or models starving for beauty. This institutionalized suffering inevitably manifests in the work. When we create from a place of deprivation and ego, how can we expect the result to nurture?

I wonder if it wouldn't be revolutionary for design studios to implement boundaries that prevent these grueling shifts and support adaptive deadlines that acknowledge life's unpredictability. Even in today's more collaborative studios, the current system clearly selects for and rewards unhealthy workaholism while driving away diverse voices and perspectives. Isn't there something fundamentally broken about a profession that designs spaces to enhance human experience while dehumanizing its own practitioners?

In landscape architecture, I learned that creation always involves destruction—that wisdom lies in aligning what we destroy with ecological principles. Similarly, architectural movements that ignore human ecological needs exact tremendous social costs, regardless of their "philosophical purity." Brutalism's raw monumentality may speak truth to materials, but often fails to address our innate human desire for spaces that uplift rather than oppress. Brutalism to me is a celebration of a sort of post-apocalyptic cold war communism. It is essentially, as you suggest, misery porn. _Why would I invite that into my life?_

Perhaps true architectural beauty emerges not from suffering but from balance—designs created through sustainable, collaborative processes that honor both creator vision _and_ inhabitant experience. This seems ultimately more honest than concrete truth.

[Cubulabacupakaba]

It was probably the most personal video Dami and her team have made yet. There were a lot of deep and I would even say bottled emotions in there. From wherever they come from or to whatever they´ll lead to, I hope every project of yours is a reflection of your soul, whether its beauty could be understood or not.

[z-beeblebrox]

I think the problem I have with The Brutalist is simply the problem I have with most Hollywood movies about artists, which is their obsession with and romanticization of the so-called "tortured artist". A fiction that flies in the face of how most artists live their lives. I recognize that there are - and have been - plenty of examples of artists with unhealthy lifestyles, or who push themselves too hard, but ultimately most artists are just regular people doing their job and living their life. This obsession creates a knife with two blades: one blade cuts the public, and frames their understanding of art and unattainable and alien to anyone who isn't "crazy", while the other blade cuts the artist, who now sees a dark path for how they could live and work which they feel pressured to walk down for no reason besides that it's what's expected of them. Neither, to me, is a good thing.

[elsabioperegrino]

I studied fine arts for six years, and if I learned anything, it's that the ego consumes the person behind the work. You start with something pure and ideal, and then, among the professors, your classmates, the clients, and the critics, you establish yourself and go crazy. If you're lucky and have the necessary character, you can leave that behind and make authentic art. If not, you become Dalí.

[ArtFreeman]

I enjoy reading or watching the thoughts of architects about architecture.

[Comicbroe]

I was really interested in this film initially because of the architecture stuff but was disappointed to learn it wasn't an important part of it & more to do with the American dream.

[Akshll]

brutalism over time largely proved his ugliness, also proving "decoration" was more than just decoration
they wanted truth, and they were so far from it.

[Patrickballhater]

I'd say classical and gothic architecture are the ones that have best stood the test of time having remained popular to this day. I'm an atheist yet love cathedrals and churches.

[originalmrp.]

Are you aware of the Czech/Slovak documentary "architektura čssr 58–89" ? It was released this week on Netflix and worth a watch (I would say that living in CZ...) and I came to understand that architects are indeed a special group...

[williambunting]

Every Brutalist Building needs a Graffiti Artist to allow it to yield its full potential.

[Gramsci]

Okay. Architect here. The myth of the need for all nighters etc, absolute BS.
I started architecture late, late 20s in fact. I’d had the beginnings of another career and pre 2008 had the opportunity to study, paid for by my employer… but that’s another story.
I blanket refused to participate in the toxic culture that is the Architecture studio system. It’s not about the quality of your work, it’s a competition between tutors and professors. Just remember that your work in that system is always secondary to the career of those teaching you.
I never did an all nighter, held down a job four days a week and frequently confronted tutors at crits. I even asked one to leave after telling them their input was wasting my time.
I’m not a particularly good designer and after university quickly moved into a technical specialization.
I would tell everyone studying architecture this, if you hand in the work that is required of you, you will pass. After you finish college and work your first job no employer will ever look at your university portfolio again.
So stop punishing yourself for your tutor’s career. Engage with the subject, hand in the work and enjoy being young.

[mrpathfinder]

I think the difference between architecture and a regular expected job is the idea of building your own world. For example it feels more satisfying to spend time cultivating a garden than it is to look at someone else’s garden. It may still be satisfying to look at someone else’s garden but making your own really hits a spot. 😅

[icyboi]

I think this video talked me into watching the film. I’m intrigued now.

[tyrant-den]

Got it.
Brutalism is to architecture what women not having pockets is to fashion designers.

[BobFrTube]

There is a problem with architects expressing their art and imposing it on the occupants. I'm all for creativity and Frank Gehry's Computer Science Building at MIT is an entertaining example. The problem is the hubris of imposing the architect's creative vision on the occupants is extreme hubris. That building is a great example. It's a building that cannot learn, to use Steward Brand's term. The challenge is to create a blank slate for the occupants while entertaining the residents of the city. Open plans are blank slates for the users. Imagine using a word processor which insisted on writing its rather than yours.

[billyb]

As someone who has lived in Brutalist buildings, I think a big difference between the vision and actuality is upkeep and imitation. There were many amazing Brutalist buildings made, which were then copied into soul-destroying ghettos for the working classes.

[yllare]

This video really reminded me of a friend who recently shared footage of herself pulling an all-nighter overseeing construction of one of her projects on site; a big building with lots of people and machinery involved. I met her through shared friends and interest at a convention and she's just the sweetest person. But to see this dainty-looking, soft spoken woman roughing it out at a construction site to oversee construction, sleep deprived but still smiling, I thought "damn get some sleep woman!" Much respect, much respect for this friend of mine.