Community & Brutalist Architecture
Being socially disconnected is like smoking 15 cigarettes a day
COMMUNITY
Our need for connection and belonging makes community a fundamental aspect of human life. Lately, I've been feeling this need more keenly. When I was younger, community seemed built-in: running around with kids in the neighborhood, participating in competitive sports, involvement in various college clubs, and building a career among peers. Eventually, things change. We get older, move away from our hometowns, friends relocate to different cities, people become preoccupied with growing families, work becomes overwhelming, relationships evolve, and before you know it, you just spent two hours on Instagram. There’s not much time or energy left for community. And once you realize you’re lacking community, it can be hard to tap back in.
Gen X is lucky. We've had a sense of community for much of our lives. The statistics for younger generations are staggering; many young people have never experienced a strong community. Young adults aged 18-22 are the loneliest demographic of all. F-U Zuckerberg!
The science on community is clear-
Biological: Humans are inherently social creatures. Evolution has shaped us to thrive in groups, as cooperation and social bonds have been crucial for survival. The development of complex social structures allowed our ancestors to hunt more effectively, protect each other from predators, and care for the young and elderly. Research in neuroscience shows that social interactions can activate the brain's reward system, making community engagement inherently pleasurable.
Psychological: From a psychological standpoint, a sense of belonging and connection with others is a basic human need. Psychologist Abraham Maslow identified "belongingness and love" as one of the key levels in his hierarchy of needs, which are essential for psychological well-being. Studies have shown that social relationships significantly impact mental health, with strong social ties being associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Social: Socially, communities provide a sense of identity and support. They offer a network of people who can provide emotional support, practical help, and a sense of security. Communities also facilitate the sharing of resources, knowledge, and cultural values, which are essential for personal development and social cohesion. And engaging with others can be quite pleasurable.
“FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SEEM TO HAVE MORE IMPACT ON OUR HAPPINESS THAN MONEY AND HEALTH.”
-Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Lack of community is a leading cause of isolation and loneliness. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 30% of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness every day or several times a week. There is an epidemic of loneliness in the U.S. that doesn’t discriminate based on age, race, sex, or social status.
A recent study on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 epidemic showed that loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The study determined that being socially disconnected is similar to the increased risk of death associated with smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
BRUTALISM & COMMUNITY
Brutalist architecture is characterized by its raw concrete surfaces, massive geometric forms, simple lines, and monochrome colors. Part of the modernist movement, Brutalism emerged in the 1950s following World War II in response to the need for functional and affordable housing and public buildings. In the post-war era, building materials were limited, and much of Europe was in urgent need of reconstruction.
Located in Marseille, Cité Radieuse is the first project of Le Corbusier’s Unité d'Habitation and one of the most influential buildings in the Brutalist movement. Some suggest that Cité Radieuse was the project that inspired the Brutalist philosophy. Following the widespread destruction during WWII, Le Corbusier was commissioned by the French Minister of Reconstruction to 'demonstrate a new art of building to transform housing.' I’d say he succeeded. The building includes 337 apartments, shops, classrooms, a public hotel, a restaurant, and a communal terrace on the roof, complete with a swimming pool and theater.
Many of the early Brutalist projects were large utilitarian buildings, including affordable housing blocks. Brutalist structures were designed with the idea of creating inclusive and egalitarian spaces. These buildings often included communal areas, such as courtyards, plazas, and pedestrian pathways, which were intended to encourage social interaction and a sense of belonging among residents.
The emphasis of Brutalist architecture on functionality and integration with the surrounding environment helps create cohesive urban communities. By prioritizing the needs of the community over ornamental design, Brutalist buildings facilitate social activities and provide essential public services, contributing to a strong community identity.
COLLECTIVISM VS. INDIVIDUALISM
Many Brutalist architects were open about their intention to advance socialist utopian ideas through their work. Some used the term collectivism, which now has a negative connotation due to its association with communism, but generally means prioritizing the group over each individual. In contrast, the U.S. and much of the West proudly embrace individualism, the belief that individuals should be self-reliant and pursue personal goals.
Ayn Rand famously has a lot to say about collectivism and individualism (and architects I guess).
NOTES FROM THE BRUTALIST:
Public spaces that encourage interaction and bring people together are essential.
Affordable spaces for living and working foster a diverse community.
Cities need hubs of activity that serve the community, such as parks, libraries, museums, theaters, farmers markets, and community centers.
Symbols of identity and a shared sense of place can strengthen community bonds.
If you find yourself in La Jolla, CA, I highly recommend checking out the Salk Institute.
IF IT’S NOT COOL, JUST ADD ICE!