Around the world, incredible constructivist & brutalist buildings are being destroyed. In a recent discussion forum at the Art Institute of Chicago, Ann Beha (known for sensitive conservation and conversion projects) brought up that “the most difficult part of preservation is the recent past”, and specifically “the adaptive re-use of brutalist buildings is difficult because of the nature of those structures”
Todd Williams (Principal of Tod Willams Billie Tsien Architects in New York) mentioned that as architects we must be willing to “respect the past right up unto the present”.
As recent cultural relics which have yet to become appreciated as pieces of art, many brutalist works are still unknown (or unloved) by the public and in danger of demolition. As architects, we need to explore new ways to keep these structures relevant!
The Singapore Power Building (now known as TripleOne Somerset), a striking 1977 brutalist office tower has recently undergone an extremely successful adaptive restoration. The tower facade was updated from a dingy mosaic tile to sleek metal panels, while retaining the original architectural character and updating the environmental performance of the building. The stark, monumental base was broken up to allow for street-level retail and permeability.
