In an effort to celebrate the under-celebrated, a new cultural program will champion one of architecture’s most misunderstood movements.

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