- Feb 5, 2002
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The Barack Obama Presidential Center will open to the public on June 19 and is already surrounded by controversy, primarily for its appearance. In fact, controversy has been a constant companion of the project since its announcement. To call it stark is an understatement. In fact, one admittedly right-wing source referred to it as “the tomb” and “a tower of doom.” Even The New York Times, which supported Mr. Obama politically, coined the term, “The Obamalisk.”
Clad in gray limestone, the tower, at a distance, gives the impression of bare concrete typical of the Brutalist style, which it resembles in other ways as well. It is fundamentally a gray, square, eight-story, windowless structure.
The movement was known as Bauhaus, also known as the “International Style.” The Bauhaus originated in Germany after World War I. It has two primary elements — functional design and a near total lack of ornamentation.
While the Bauhaus emerged from World War I, Brutalism is largely a product of World War II. In 1945, a devastated Europe needed to rebuild quickly. Unadorned reinforced concrete proved a quick way to build large buildings and to reflect the sentiment of moral devastation that reigned at the time.
Continued below.
www.tfp.org
Clad in gray limestone, the tower, at a distance, gives the impression of bare concrete typical of the Brutalist style, which it resembles in other ways as well. It is fundamentally a gray, square, eight-story, windowless structure.
The Roots of Brutalism
For those who prize beauty, Brutalism is difficult—perhaps impossible—to understand. It is necessary to look at a previous architectural style and a world-shaking event.The movement was known as Bauhaus, also known as the “International Style.” The Bauhaus originated in Germany after World War I. It has two primary elements — functional design and a near total lack of ornamentation.
While the Bauhaus emerged from World War I, Brutalism is largely a product of World War II. In 1945, a devastated Europe needed to rebuild quickly. Unadorned reinforced concrete proved a quick way to build large buildings and to reflect the sentiment of moral devastation that reigned at the time.
Continued below.
Exploring the Monumental Ugliness of the New Obama Center
The Barack Obama Presidential Center will open to the public on June 19 and is already surrounded by controversy, primarily for its appearance. In fact…
www.tfp.org
