Ominous and foreboding, Brutalist architecture doesn’t typically invite celebration. While the expression originates from the French word for ‘raw’ in a term used by Le Corbusier to describe his choice of béton brut (raw concrete), the classification today is seen as more synonymous with buildings that are large, unpopular – and ‘brutal’. However, in an effort to celebrate the under-celebrated, a new cultural program launching in Melbourne will champion one of architecture’s most disdained and misunderstood movements.

Hosted by Assemble Papers and Open House Melbourne, Brutalist Block Party (BBP) is a series of workshops, talks, conceptual dining, and markets. The program has been dreamt up to pay homage to Clifton Hill’s Brutalist heritage and to post-war architecture everywhere.

“With Brutalist Block Party we beckon a new appreciation of Brutalism,” said Rachel Elliot-Jones, creative producer of Assemble Papers and Brutalist Block Party. “It is a program designed to engage and inspire the wider community – not just those with a penchant for post-war architecture.”

Running for three weeks in May, events include Brutal Pong – a ping-pong tournament presented by Archipong; a weekly local produce market on Saturdays; and panel discussions on Brutalism in film, and contemporary adaptations of Brutalist style. Hotel Hotel will present a video and sound installation titled The Sounds of Brutalism, and Practise Studio Practise have created a specially commissioned spatial installation. The full program is available here.

Events will take place at the new 122 Roseneath site, a collaboration between Assemble, Wullf Projects and Icon Co.

Brutalist Block Party will run from 6 – 29 May 2016, at 122 Roseneath Street Clifton Hill, Melbourne.

Brutalist Block Party
brutalistblockparty.com