Soft Brutalism is a design movement that emerged as a response to the harshness and severity of traditional Brutalist design. Soft Brutalism retains the focus on raw materials, function, and minimalism that is characteristic of Brutalist design, but incorporates elements of softness, warmth, and comfort to create a more welcoming and livable environment.
This design style often incorporates softer and warmer materials, such as wood and textiles, to offset the hardness of concrete and steel. It also often includes rounded edges and organic shapes to create a more fluid and natural feel. Additionally, Soft Brutalism often emphasizes natural light and greenery, creating a more natural and calming environment.
Overall, Soft Brutalism seeks to create a balance between the raw and industrial aesthetic of Brutalism and the comfort and livability of softer design styles. By combining the best elements of both styles, it creates a unique and compelling design language that is both functional and inviting.
Design In Soft Brutalism:
Here are some key steps to consider when designing in Soft Brutalism:
- Use raw materials: Soft Brutalism still incorporates raw and unadorned materials such as concrete, brick, and steel, but combines them with softer materials such as wood, textiles, and natural stone. This creates a more balanced aesthetic that is both warm and industrial.
- Emphasize function over form: Retain the focus on practicality and utility that is characteristic of traditional Brutalism. This means designing your space or object with a focus on its intended purpose and functionality.
- Use organic shapes: Many works often incorporate rounded edges, organic shapes, and curves to create a more fluid and natural feel. This can help to soften the harshness of the raw materials used.
- Use natural light and greenery: Emphasize natural light and greenery, creating a more natural and calming environment. Incorporating plants, windows, and skylights can help to bring in natural light and create a more inviting space.
- Incorporate soft textures: Softer textures such as textiles, carpets, and rugs create a more comfortable and inviting environment. These materials can also help to absorb sound and create a more acoustically balanced space.
By combining these elements, you can create a space or object that embodies the unique aesthetic of Soft Brutalism – a balance between the raw and industrial aesthetic of traditional Brutalism and the comfort and livability of softer design styles.