After the second world war most of Europe’s cities lay in rubble. Centuries of use and infrastructure had been wiped out by carpet bombing and heavy shelling. Much of Germany was gone, especially places like Dresden which almost ceased to exist. The East end of London was flattened plus most of Poland, especially Warsaw, would have to be completely rebuilt. Social buildings and housing were of the utmost importance to the Governments at the time. What they needed was a quick and cheap solution and what they got was designs using nothing but concrete. Build a steel framework mould and pour the stuff in, job done.
Concrete architecture is known as brutalism. It’s thought of as brutal because it is without frills or decoration. It is modernist in its outlook as its purpose is to just be functional. Because it can be easily, and quickly shaped, concrete can make a block of flats much quicker than using traditional brick. It can also come as “slices” so as to be put together in what is known as a prefab building, usually a bungalow that can also be put up quickly. For Concrete Stroud, go to www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk/concrete-stroud
In Birmingham and Manchester, Coventry, Portsmouth and Southampton there was now a chance to rebuild the towns and cities and concrete would be the chosen material to do it. Not only that but civic buildings such as libraries, theatres, leisure centres and civic offices could benefit greatly from being more modern and accessible. Private firms got on the bandwagon to ensure commercial offices would also be made in this manner along with shopping centres and new indoor markets.
