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Bunkers Brutalism and Bloodymindedness

Bunkers Brutalism and Bloodymindedness

Two-part documentary in which Jonathan Meades makes the case for 20th-century concrete Brutalist architecture in an homage to a style that he sees a brave, bold and bloodyminded.

Tracing its precursors to the once-hated Victorian edifices described as Modern Gothic and before that to the unapologetic baroque visions created by John Vanbrugh, as well as the martial architecture of World War II, Meades celebrates the emergence of the Brutalist spirit in his usual provocative and incisive style.

Never pulling his punches, Meades praises a moment in architecture he considers sublime and decries its detractors.

Created ByJonathan Meades
StatusEnded
Original NameBunkers Brutalism and Bloodymindedness
First Air DateFebruary 16, 2014
Last Air DateFebruary 23, 2014
Seasons1
Episodes2
Episode Runtime 0min
LanguageEnglish
Original LanguageEnglish
Production CountriesUnited Kingdom
Production CompaniesBBC
NetworksBBC Four
Episode 2
S01E02

Episode 2

Second of a two-part documentary in which Jonathan Meades makes the case for 20th-century concrete Brutalist architecture, which is once again being appreciated by a younger generation. Focusing initially on the massive influence of Le Corbusier's post-war work, he reclaims the reputation of buildings that, once much maligned, he argues stood for optimism and grandeur. Delivered in his signature provocative and confrontational manner, Meades's film draws on extraordinary buildings from all over Europe in a lavish, sometimes surreal, visual collage.

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