BÉTON BRUT designed by Chez Moi Studio for Taplab Wall covering. An experiment inspired by brutalism. Brutalism began in the late 1950s, expanding and evolving in the 1960s and ‘70s as an architectural derivation of modernism, such as Futurism, Constructivism and Bauhaus. Brutalism: the aesthetics of exposed raw concrete, Béton brut, but not only. Buildings that express their function and reject decorative ornamentation, an avant-garde movement that will bring new ideas and materials into architecture. Brutalism is representative of a time when architecture was innovative, creative and aspirational. Le Corbusier will be its father and precursor, and its Unité d’habitation in Marseille its banner. Brutalist buildings have a strong presence, “they have drama” and share a particular and honest expression of their function, materials and style. Little universally recognized, time has come to brush up on their charm, applying the poetics of “béton brut” to the world of interior design as well. In this era, brutalism enjoys a new wave of enthusiasm. This is our little tribute, starting from three icons of great expressive power: the Velasca Tower, the Geisel Library and the Water Tower.
