Brutalismus

The Brutalismus project started unexpectedly, one afternoon, as I sketched to pass the time. Coming from a post-Soviet country, Brutalist architecture always fascinated me, as well as provided a strange sense of comfort. Playing around with shapes on paper, I started coming up with ideas for an organizer, that moment Brutalismus was born. A decorative object, which can be displayed from either side, as well as serve a functional purpose - a design principle that guided me to the final shape of the object. The idea was brought closer to reality once the 3d model was made. I performed deconstruction of the model, into singular straight planes in order to re-construct it in real life. Brutalismus now became a project that would improve my TIG welding skills, with a plan to weld each corner individually, avoiding bending the material, to achieve a stark look reminiscent of the Brutalist architectural style. Which allowed me to work with metal on a smaller scale than ever before, requiring patience, continued effort, and precision. 

Serving as a second object in my metal architectural organizer series, it showed increased complexity, improved skill, and compelling proportions to its predecessor. Brutalismus provides increased storage for smaller spaces, allowing both to conceal as well as display objects. Novelty is a part of its function, having a distinct look from each four sides, Brutalismus can be displayed in various ways, and the abundance of storage and display surfaces allow the user to customize it with their personal belongings, and make it feel like home. 

Brutalist architecture often is seen as stark and cold, though behind the massive walls, light shines, and it is warm. Dear memories are formed. In a way, Brutalismus acts as a metaphor in countless ways, with a meaning that can be true for one, but false for another. It is akin to a Tabula Rasa; one can decide to stylize it however one wants, shaping the barren steel surface to one's heart, or leaving it be.