Let's bookmark my 10 Brutalist Buildings in London You Must See
- Mathanki Kodavasal
- Mar 7, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Brutalist architecture is one of London’s most distinctive and controversial design movements, defined by bold geometric forms, raw concrete structures, and an unapologetically functional aesthetic. While often divisive, Brutalist buildings in London have become some of the city’s most photographed and culturally significant landmarks. From residential estates to cultural institutions, these structures reveal a powerful side of post-war architectural ambition.
In this post, I’ll share 10 of the most important Brutalist buildings in London, along with my personal perspective as a designer inspired by their form, texture, and visual impact — and introduce my Brutalist London bookmarks collection, which celebrates these architectural icons in a collectible format.
A Journey into Brutalism and Personal Exploration
My fascination with Brutalist architecture began nearly 10 years ago when we moved to London. I had just landed a low-paying job at a startup. Public transport was not an option for me.
In Mumbai, I was used to a cushy commute in an air-conditioned car with a driver. The reality of life in London was an eye-opener. My husband encouraged me to pick up a bicycle. So, I downloaded Citymapper, and there was no looking back. I chose a different route daily from Caledonian Road to Whitechapel. On my rides, I encountered interesting architecture, street art, markets, and mysterious lanes. I spent my lunch breaks wandering around Brick Lane and photographing graffiti.
The so-called 'ugly' concrete buildings in London reminded me of apartments in Mumbai. Back home, I don't think anyone labeled them 'Brutalist' or 'Modernist' to acknowledge their architectural quality. They were simply flats—one floor atop the other, with tiny windows and non-existent balconies. They were crumbling, faded, and absolutely no thought had gone into them. Their only goal seemed to be cramming in maximum capacity in the tiniest spaces. In every sense, they were ugly.
The Barbican Estate is one of the most famous examples of Brutalist architecture in London.
This vast residential complex combines housing, walkways, gardens, and cultural spaces into a unified architectural vision. Its textured concrete surfaces and elevated walkways make it one of the most photographed Brutalist sites in the city.
My first encounter with the Barbican left me confused. It was a concrete cluster of buildings, yet it was fascinating. The sense of space gave a feeling of a mini-world enclosed within itself. The conservatory was something I would have never imagined in such a location.
I often wonder what it would feel like to peer out of one of those quirky inverted arch windows on a snowy night.
Discovering Brixton's Charm
In 2019, we moved to Brixton. This was our first taste of South London, and it was delicious. At the heart of Brixton, you find Brutalist architecture. The Brixton Rec hits you just as you exit the overground. The iconography on the facade aims to make an impression.
Just across, we confront the great Barrier Block. This mammoth building features the tiniest windows and a chilling, dystopian feel. The street is aptly named 'Coldharbour Lane.'
National Theatre: An Architectural Assignment
One of my first assignments on a short typography course at Central Saint Martins involved matching a font with a building in London. I found this exercise incredibly interesting. Armed with my camera, I walked along the Southbank. Back-to-back stood the Tate, the National Theatre, and the Hayward Gallery.
The National Theatre on the South Bank is a landmark Brutalist building known for its tiered concrete design and dramatic structure. It remains one of London’s most important cultural buildings and a defining example of modernist civic architecture.
I held a large cutout of an 'A' from Akzidenz-Grotesk, matching the bold letter to the shapes and lines of these buildings.
Reflections on Lost Architecture : Welbeck Street Car Park
The demolition of a charming car park made me inexplicably sad. Yes, it may have been impractical, occupying prime real estate near Oxford Street. Still, I wonder if its facade could have been preserved somehow. I bookmark this moment as a lost diamond.
The Vibrancy of Elephant & Castle
Elephant & Castle is another pit stop on my commute from Central London to Brixton. Metro Central Heights is a complex that left me confused. It features chunks of 'window apartments,' making it hard to determine where one began and another ended.
It offers your first impression of true South London as you cross the river. You encounter crowds, chaos, and color. While the old shopping centre was once tired, it has undergone a mini-makeover. The elephant statue now stands with a fresh coat of paint on a shiny pedestal.
Discovering Stockwell's Bus Garage
Our next stop is Stockwell. The bus garage there is spectacular. Sometimes, I illustrate the most random places, knowing that only a handful of people might appreciate or even buy the print. I’m not interested in jumping on the cutesy kitchen print trend that fills the shelves at Oliver Bonas. Instead, I am content illustrating garages and car parks, infusing my love for color into them.
Love it or hate it: The Trellick Tower
Lastly, we have the iconic Trellick Tower. Trellick Tower is one of London’s most recognisable residential Brutalist buildings. Its bold vertical form and separate service tower create a striking silhouette on the West London skyline.
Once controversial, it is now considered an architectural icon.
The Trellick and Balfron pair were the first Brutalist buildings I illustrated. At that time, I wasn't even selling them. Then, I shared my work with a stranger at a print shop in Soho, who said, "Goldfinger! These are lovely — I would absolutely buy them."
That moment made me realise that Brutalist architecture has a unique charm. Not everyone appreciates it, but some truly do!
Why I Created Brutalist London Bookmarks
Inspired by these iconic Brutalist buildings in London, I created a Brutalist bookmarks collection featuring 10 of the city’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. Each bookmark is designed to celebrate the geometry, texture, and cultural history of London’s Brutalist architecture in a collectible format.
It’s a small way to carry London’s architectural heritage with you, or gift it to someone who loves design, architecture, or the city itself.
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