#wolfram grundhoff

[germanpostwarmodern]

House Parpart (1970) in Geleen, the Netherlands, by Wolfram Grundhoff

#1970s #house #concrete #brutalism #brutalist #architecture #netherlands #architektur #wolfram grundhoff #sosbrutalism

[architectureofdoom]

Parpart House, Geleen, Wolfram Grundhoff, 1970

#Netherlands #house #beton brut

[germanpostwarmodern]

During the past decade Brutalism has become both a social media phenomenon and an object of increased interest on the part of conservationists and researchers. Correspondingly a considerable number of books have been published throughout the years with mixed degrees of depth and relevance.

Of undoubtedly great relevance is the recently published tome „Bruut! Atlas van het brutalisme in Nederland“ by Arjan den Boer, Martijn Haan, Martjan Kuit & Teun Meurs and published by W Books. The volume gathers a hundred Dutch brutalist buildings of which a top 20 selection receives additional pages and illustrations. In keeping with the nature of an atlas it is organized along regions and thus offers a comprehensive cross section of Brutalist architecture in the Netherlands. In between the book’s authors address influence of Brutalism in different typologies like housing, church architecture, school buildings or office buildings with the latter representing the majority of Brutalist buildings in the Netherlands. Particularly convenient is the inclusion of Brutalist glossary for all readers new to the matter as well as brief but concise dossiers of major Brutalist architects like Hugh Maaskant, Ben Ingwersen or Piet Zanstra.

But the major part of the book of course is dedicated to the buildings which are documented in stunning photographs by Bart van Hoek: he perfectly captures each of the buildings’ qualities and details and even those averse to Brutalism will have difficulties denying the strong presence of the chosen Brutalist examples. Among these are obvious choices like Van den Broek & Bakema’s Delft auditorium or the Eindhoven Evolution but also lesser-known gems like the Adventskerk in Aerdenhout, the Girokantoor in Leeuwaarden or the Parpart house in Geleen designed by German architect Wolfram Grundhoff.

Through its exclusive focus on Brutalism in the Netherlands „Bruut!“ provides an excellent overview of Dutch Brutalism between the 1950s and 1980s, its peculiarities and characteristics. On the other hand it hopefully is capable of increasing awareness and appreciation for these buildings which represent a unique contribution to a global architectural phenomenon.

#brutalism #brutalist #architecture #netherlands #dutch architecture #architecture book #book #architectural history