Article by Eva Coley, Landscape Architect at Arup
Eco-brutalism is a relatively new concept in the world of architecture, offering a new perspective to the familiar brutalist style. The movement thoughtfully juxtaposes the stark, functional aesthetics of brutalism with organic elements that introduce softness and humanity into its unapologetic geometries. Eco-brutalism has been showcased not only in retrofit projects for existing brutalist builds, but also for newly designed brutalist-style buildings. As this article will explore, the movement has inspired exemplary projects that embody the principles of sensitive design; however, care must be taken to distinguish these from superficial trends that merely adopt the aesthetic under the guise of sustainability.
While brutalism has been hailed as a seminal architectural movement, critics often dismiss it as an outdated eyesore. So why the new lease of life for brutalism? A significant factor is the resurgence of interest in Brutalist architecture following the Oscar-winning film “The Brutalist.” However, the renewed appeal goes beyond nostalgia—these structures represent resilience in the face of growing environmental uncertainty. Their reliance on concrete, a highly durable material, allows them to withstand natural disasters, one of the biggest challenges facing cities globally in contemporary times. As a result, preserving historic brutalist buildings could play a role in future climate resilience. The eco-brutalist movement embraces this practicality while integrating sustainable solutions to adapt these structures for a more environmentally conscious future.
Landscape architects play a pivotal role in shaping eco-brutalist spaces, merging sustainability with brutalist design principles to create functional, resilient environments. Several key techniques define this approach:
- Biophilic Design Integration – Eco-brutalist projects often incorporate biophilic elements, weaving nature into built environments to enhance human well-being. This includes vertical gardens, rooftop greenery and cascading vines that soften the harsh geometries of brutalist structures while improving air quality and insulation.
- Strategic Plant Selection – Choosing the right plant species is essential in achieving sustainability goals. Landscape architects prioritise native, drought-resistant and pollution-absorbing plants that require minimal maintenance and thrive in urban conditions. Species such as sedum for green roofs or ferns for shaded courtyards provide ecological and aesthetic benefits.
- Water Management Systems – Brutalist structures, often composed of impermeable materials, pose drainage challenges. Eco-brutalist projects incorporate rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable surfaces to manage stormwater efficiently, thereby reducing runoff and mitigating urban flooding risks.
- Passive Climate Control – By strategically placing vegetation, landscape architects help regulate microclimates within brutalist spaces. Trees and large shrubs provide shade, reducing heat absorption by concrete surfaces. Similarly, green walls function as natural insulators, lowering energy consumption for cooling and heating.
- Sustainable Hardscape – Materials are carefully selected to align with eco-brutalist principles. Reclaimed wood, recycled metal and low-carbon concrete alternatives complement brutalist designs while minimising environmental impact. Textured hardscapes, such as gravel or porous concrete, enhance permeability and biodiversity.
- Adaptive Reuse & Restoration – Rather than demolishing existing structures, eco-brutalist projects often embrace adaptive reuse. Landscape architects work to restore and repurpose urban spaces by incorporating natural elements, extending their usability while maintaining the bold essence of brutalism.
- Biodiversity Enhancement – Eco-brutalist sites aim to increase biodiversity by creating habitat corridors within urban landscapes. Pollinator-friendly gardens, bird-friendly design elements and green roofs contribute to ecological resilience while fostering a more harmonious coexistence between built and natural environments.
Through these techniques, landscape architects ensure that eco-brutalist projects not only redefine aesthetics but also serve as sustainable, climate-resilient solutions that enhance urban liveability.
In London, high-profile projects such as the Barbican Terrace and Southbank Centre have sparked fresh perspectives on integrating nature within these bold structures. The recent Barbican renewal project, focused on redesigning the Lakeside Terrace and Conservatory, further illustrates the practical benefits of eco-brutalism. Among the key proposals are advanced rain and stormwater management systems designed to address long-standing structural issues, including persistent leaks and inefficient drainage. These systems include the installation of bioswales, which channel and filter rainwater through vegetated landscapes, and permeable paving, which allows water to infiltrate the ground rather than overwhelm surface drains. Passive climate control solutions, such as green roofs and strategically placed vegetation, aim to minimise operational carbon by enhancing natural insulation and air circulation. It is worth noting that cross-disciplinary collaboration is key to the success of these projects. The Barbican Renewal project, for example, involved collaboration between landscape architects, engineers, sustainability consultants and heritage consultants, to name a few. It is this sharing of knowledge and expertise which allows for a holistic technical response to this complex and sensitive setting.
The renewal also prioritises expanding accessible green space through innovative planting strategies. Vertical gardens, native species selections and pollinator-friendly landscapes will complement the brutalist aesthetic while increasing biodiversity. Additionally, sustainable hardscape elements—such as reclaimed timber seating and low-carbon concrete paving—are being integrated to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the raw, geometric character of the site. Together, these strategies not only enhance the usability and resilience of the Barbican but also reinforce its legacy as a model of eco-brutalist adaptation for future urban landscapes.
Whilst critics may argue that integrating nature into these longstanding concrete structures may seem like a departure from the original and intended character of these iconic buildings, eco-brutalism may offer more historical continuity than is commonly assumed. Whilst brutalism as a concept is often perceived as the antithesis of the natural world, it’s worth remembering that harmony between humans and nature was a founding principle of the movement. Le Corbusier, one of the seminal figures of brutalism, was deeply concerned about the growing disconnect between urban life and the natural environment. He championed a more symbiotic relationship through his designs—going so far as to include roof gardens among his Five Points of Architecture, citing their benefits for insulation, greenery and recreation.
But his appreciation for nature extended well beyond rooftops. Le Corbusier viewed greenery in urban settings as essential to human wellbeing and consistently sought to balance built environments with natural elements. His visionary “Radiant City,” characterised by generous green space and brought to life in cities like Chandigarh, India, stands as proof that nature was central—not peripheral—to his architectural philosophy. In this light, eco-brutalism may be seen less as a radical innovation and more as a thoughtful revival of brutalism’s original ethos.
Although the definition of eco-brutalism remains somewhat fluid, this ambiguity risks reducing the movement to a fleeting design trend rather than a meaningful contribution to sustainable architecture. The striking aesthetic tension of nature and concrete that has propelled eco-brutalism into the spotlight also entails an emphasis on visual appeal, which makes eco-brutalism vulnerable to “greenwashing”—where superficial greenery is used to mask unsustainable practices under the guise of environmental consciousness. To counter this, landscape architects will do well to consider the rich history and context of the brutalist movement and apply their technical expertise, working in cross-disciplinary teams where appropriate, to ensure that eco-brutalist projects prioritise functionality, ecological integrity and long-term impact over mere visual novelty.
Article by Eva Coley, Landscape Architect at Arup