Welcome to our first Virtual Conference on Brutal Different

A binational virtual conference on the handling of and the opportunities presented by Brutalist Architecture in Israel and North Rhine-Westphalia

Wednesday, January 12,  2022  10:00 am to 16:00 pm (cest)      11:00 am – 17:00 israel time

Big, dark and almost ugly – these are just some of the words used to describe Brutalist architecture. But are these really accurate desriptions?

Brutal – Different is a binational project between Israel and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany to discuss the giants of modernity.

Both Israel and North Rhine-Westphalia have an extensive heritage in the Brutalist style. However, these buildings and urban plans are highly controversial in both countries. Experts in both countries have therefore begun to raise public awareness of the historical, aesthetic, and social significance of these structures and to engage in an open exchange. A comparison of the handling of the buildings in the two countries will create an open space to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives. We will learn about the genesis of this architectural movement, analyse urban planning and unique architectural qualities and debate current acceptance and handling, redevelopment and possible adaptations to make Brutalist architecture more sustainable.

Exciting experts from Israel and Germany will share their expertise with us. In discussions, lectures, and roundtables we will learn more about similarities and differences of German and Israeli Brutalism.

The Conference will be the beginning of a multi-year exchange program on building culture in both countries.

MORE INFORMATION