Ejohwomu, O and Igwilo, M (2017) A hermeneutical analysis of brutalism, equality and diversity in innovative construction. In: Chan, P W and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 33rd Annual ARCOM Conference, 4-6 September 2017, Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, UK.
Abstract
Brutalist construction litter many city centers contributing to what is termed skyline. Several of these constructions have indeed elicited some form of identity crisis for the people on the margins given the cultural dimensions of these 'brutal' buildings. The buildings' coldness and its totalitarian gait confront diverse peoples making the construction problematic, in its presence. The very intense use of concrete suggests wastefulness and arrogance, all of which alienate certain sensibilities. The problem of 'the other', that is the minorities within the mainstream culture, is manifest in the intellectual constructs of these buildings since the essential characteristics of the 'other' is diversity hence a concern for equality. How may brutalism in construction deal with concerns about diversity and equality which it creates? Do constructions based on brutalism consider equality and diversity? and the sensibilities arising therefrom? To what extent does brutalism affect equality and diversity in cities where 'brutal' buildings exist? A philosophical hermeneutical analysis is essential to understand the problems created by these building types. Essentially, hermeneutics brings to the fore those parts of brutailism that alienates and which militates against equality. It is concluded that brutalism in innovative construction should now tend toward deconstruction such that a minimalist façade is created in brutalist buildings which accommodates the diverse nature of today’s cities.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | brutalism; equality; diversity; hermeneutics; innovation |
| Index terms: | city centre, presence, identity, minority, dimension, equality and diversity |
| Subjects: | sociology, infrastructure and transport systems, management, environmental science, health monitoring assessment and metrics |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Health and Safety, Research Practice, Urban Studies, Ethics, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 1 C |
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