Tag Archives: brutalism

Kohler brutalist smart toilet conveys the transformative power of water

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It’s almost too easy to take for granted what a toilet looks like, especially considering what we use it for. At the same time, that’s the very reason why these fixtures need to not only be well-designed but also aesthetic, providing a sense of comfort and maybe even delight despite and in spite of the context. That is why the majority of toilets are designed with shiny white surfaces and smooth curves in an attempt to provide a visual and tactile contrast to their purpose. That said, that is hardly the only way to design a striking product, and this rather unique toilet design concept uses a different strategy that still manages to capture the eyes and the mind with its brutalist form inspired by the powerful waters that course through it.

Designer: Kohler x SR_A

There’s really no hard rule on what a toilet should look like as long as it functions as intended and is more or less comfortable to use. That toilets are often white, smooth, and curvy is simply a matter of convention and convenience. There are, of course, exceptions to these that add a bit of flair to the bathroom, and the Formation 02 is one design that immediately stands out from the crowd both in its shape and its unconventional color.

As if its orange paint weren’t enough to get it noticed, the Formation 02’s blocky and faceted form evokes a different imagery from typical toilets. It has a rough sort of character as if the whole body was hewn from stone, giving it a brutalist aesthetic you won’t find in any toilet. It’s a design chosen not merely for the sake of being different but for the message it tries to convey.

In particular, it tries to demonstrate the effects of moving water on its environment, shaping and changing the way things look. Sometimes it can smooth out rocks into pebbles, but sometimes it can also wear them down to rough surfaces. The Formation 02 represents both possibilities, with some sides smooth while others left rough and raw.

While it might indeed look rough on the outside, the Formation 02 is still a functional toilet that brings comfort and convenience once the lid is lifted, which can be done without even touching it. It’s a smart toilet, after all, and it offers a heated seat, customizable bidet cleansing, and more, allowing you to do your thing neatly and cleanly while appreciating the distinctive design of this one-of-a-kind toilet concept.

The post Kohler brutalist smart toilet conveys the transformative power of water first appeared on Yanko Design.

Brutalist speaker concept is inspired by an equally brutalist church building

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Regardless of religious inclination or lack thereof, the word “church” would often conjure up images of lofty buildings designed to inspire awe or command respect. Of course, church architecture often reflects the trends and styles of their times, and there are indeed churches today that wouldn’t look out of place beside commercial buildings and structures. Of these, the former Church of Saint Agnes in Berlin, now home to the Konig gallery, is perhaps one of the most striking examples of the modern brutalist movement applied to such a structure, and its imposing character happens to be the almost literal inspiration for a desk speaker concept that similarly embraces that spirit of extreme austerity in a beautiful and memorable way.

Designer: Philipp Emrich

Designed by architect Werner Duttmann and finished in 1967, the former Church of St. Agnes, now the Gallery of Konig, stands almost in opposition to common church architectures of that period and the ages before it. Its unadorned, boxy shapes don’t stand out among the rows of concrete buildings that line up most cities, making it feel like just another part of the community. At the same time, however, its austere appearance still cuts an imposing figure that gives the impression of something that is meant to exist on a completely different and higher level.

It’s that same stunning characteristic that the Agnes desk speaker concept tries to convey on a smaller scale. Like the church it takes both its shape and name from, the design is made from two plain rectangular pieces, though the roles are switched. The vertical “bell tower” is actually the main speaker, with the top box providing 360-degree output, while the larger detachable box provides bass on demand.

Like any brutalist design, the speakers express rawness, expressed through metal instead of concrete and accentuated by the use of the simplest geometrical shape and sharp edges. In terms of functionality, however, there is nothing unrefined about the Agnes speaker concept, and it even imagines a feature not found in any 360-degree speaker today. While the lower knob controls the speaker volume, the one above it determines where sound is directed, whether it’s only from the front, from the front and the sides, or from all four sides.

Smart speakers today are trying their best to blend into their surroundings, namely your interior decor, and just like its inspiration, the Agnes desk speaker concept presents a duality in that regard. It definitely mixes well with minimalist designs, but its raw appearance and imposing stature also make it stand out easily, turning what would normally be just a functional appliance into a unique work of art that looks almost out of place and out of time.

The post Brutalist speaker concept is inspired by an equally brutalist church building first appeared on Yanko Design.

This concrete chair and table pair have their own charm despite their brutalist aesthetic

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We’ve come across many designs for tables and chairs, both for those inside the comfort of homes as well as those weather outdoor environments. Given the predominant design trends, many of these leaned toward minimalist styles that had refined forms, polished finishes, and often pleasing curves. While these are often made with different materials, the majority of minimalist furniture is made from wood, even some that are meant to stand in open spaces. Of course, that’s not the only way to make interesting products that catch the eye and provide functional benefits, and these modular pieces of outdoor furniture demonstrate how you can wrap design sense and ingenuity together in a very raw yet aesthetic package made of concrete.

Designer: Ramanna Shrinivas

Minimalism is actually a very broad term that doesn’t exactly dictate the specific style or even the construction of a design. Given its frequent use in product design, especially in furniture, it has almost become synonymous with wooden products that have smooth, often polished surfaces with only one or two colorways. That said, there is also some sense of minimalism in the brutalist movement, especially in architecture. Surfaces and structures are left raw and unpainted, stripping them even of the usual polish you’d see in minimalist products. It is minimalist in a brutal sense, but it can still be beautiful, functional, and even creative.

“Brute” is a concept for furniture that puts brutalist design in a place where it works best: outdoors. The chair and the table have the same basic shape, looking more like overgrown square brackets rather than furniture. The chair is naturally shorter, and a groove on the back where a thick piece of plywood is inserted to function as a backrest. That backrest also offers a visual contrast to the chair, pitting the warmth of wood against the coldness of concrete.

The table’s shape, while similar to the chair, serves a slightly different purpose. While its default position has two of its three surfaces facing forward and are parallel to the ground, it is also possible to set it up on its “legs” for a more traditional table appearance. In this position, however, the brutally minimal set loses its most unique feature.

The brute chair and table are meant to be together, and not just because of their similar aesthetics. There are holes facing outward at the base of each piece where milled still rods can be inserted to join the two in different configurations. While a brute chair can really connect only with a single table, the brute table can accommodate different combinations. It can, for example, be flanked by two chairs, or it can be a chair and another table. Different arrangements can be used to create seating for at most four people.

The brute chair and table system might not win awards in terms of prettiness or polish, but product design isn’t just about appearances anyway. That said, the furniture still manages to look attractive in its own way while offering a kind of flexibility you won’t find in many finished pieces. Granted, it might not be the most comfortable chair to sit on or the most convenient table to use. It still manages to hold one’s attention and provide a much-needed function outdoors, which is always a mark of good design.

The post This concrete chair and table pair have their own charm despite their brutalist aesthetic first appeared on Yanko Design.

This geometric concrete house is giving us modern brutalism goals!

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Brutalism has long been considered an architectural style most commonly used in industrial and institutional buildings. This design theory is centered around the usage of concrete, steel, and modular elements. People stay away from this style because the aesthetic isn’t inviting or warm enough for residential projects but Badie Architects proves otherwise. The Maadi Villa is nestled away from the Egyptian traffic and is an expat haven complete with a pool and open views – a gem in the city. Maadi Villa combines elements of brutalism with materials such as wood and wide windows in order to create a home that is both timeless and modern.

The angular arch over the main entrance complements the otherwise simple geometric form of the house. The wood and concrete naturally balance the cool and warm CMF of the exterior with black accents to tie it all together. The interiors also have the same modern and minimal vibe with a giant spiraling staircase that catches the eye (even from outside!). The large windows allow for plenty of natural light that adds to the ‘spaciousness’ inside the light-colored interiors. Mohamed Badie brings minimalism, expressionism, and experimentalism to life in this one project in perfect balance.

Designer: Badie Architects

 

The MESH seating combines colorful furniture design with brutalism

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The MESH seating is all about playing with contrasts to create something that’s useful yet beautiful to look at. Take for instance the fact that its base is voluminous and heavy, while the seat itself is a light wireframe, or that the base is dull and gray, while its seat exudes a sense of vibrance and color. The MESH seating comes with a wrought-metal upper that plugs onto a concrete block to combine (and contrast) two visual styles). Perfect for the outdoors, the MESH is equal parts tough-looking yet inviting – a perfect combination of fun playfulness and brutalism.

There’s a certain simplicity to how the MESH is constructed, with a powder-coated metal wireframe that plugs into a tapered-cylindrical concrete base. The unusual combination creates a contrasting visual, and casts a series of wonderful shadows are, in themselves, pieces of art. Designed with ergonomic considerations, the seating are actually pretty comfortable, although your eyes seem deceived by the use of metal and concrete. Besides, with those gorgeously eye-popping colors, who wouldn’t want to sit on them – even if it’s just for the ‘Gram!

Designer: Anurag Sharma