Brutalist Architecture in Switzerland

Brutalist architecture is a bold and distinctive architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by its raw, exposed concrete construction, geometric forms, and lack of decorative embellishments. Brutalist structures often feature massive, monolithic forms, with rough-textured surfaces and sharp angles that create a sense of monumentality and strength. Despite its divisive reputation and frequent criticism for its perceived harshness and lack of warmth, its uncompromising aesthetic has left an indelible mark on our built environment. The following series explore some of its most photogenic examples in Switzerland.

Antoniuskirche
Basel
1925 - 1927
Église du Christ-Roi, Fribourg
Fribourg
1951 - 1954
Église Plan Conthey
Plan Conthey, VS
1954
Église Sainte-Croix
Sierre
1959 - 1962
Kongresshaus Biel
Biel
1960 - 1966
Aula des Cèdres
Lausanne
1961-1962
Stazione di Servizio, Castasegna
Castasegna
1962
Universitätsbibliothek Basel
Basel
1962 - 1968
Katholische Kirche St. Michael
Ennetbaden
1963 - 1966
Espace des Inventions
Lausanne
1964, 2000
Paroisse catholique Saint-François d'Assise
Renens
1966
Heiligkreuzkirche, Chur
Chur
1966-1969
Johanneskirche, Luzern
Luzern
1967 - 1970
Saint-Nicolas d'Hérémence
Hérémence
1968 - 1971
Centre international de conférences de Genève
Geneva
1969 - 1973
Gymnasium Kloster Disentis
Disentis
1969 - 1973
Musée international d'horlogerie
La Chaux-de-Fonds
1972 - 1974
La Tulipe
Geneva
1975 / 1976
Schulhaus Paspels
Paspels
1996 - 1998
Villa Garbald
Castasegna
1863, 2004
Schweizerisches Nationalparkzentrum
Zernez
2008
Plantahof Auditorium
Landquart
2010
Senneria Surselva
Disentis
2011
Immeuble Verdeaux
Renes
2018
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