Capital Brutalism
June 1, 2024–June 30, 2025
Brutalist architecture emerged in the United Kingdom after World War II and gained prominence in the United States during urban renewal efforts, particularly in federal and civic buildings in the nation’s capital. Capital Brutalism examined the history, current state, and future of seven buildings and the WMATA Metro system, highlighting their enduring influence on public discourse.
Through photographs, drawings, archival materials, and media installations, visitors examined the style, function, and impact of these works, while leading architecture firms such as Studio Gang and Gensler—along with students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Architecture—reimagined them for today’s environmental, social, and political context.
“The exhibition continues to be popular; books are flying off the shelves—great work, team!”
—Caitlin Bristol
Blue, a “cold” accent to emphasize points of interest, was adapted from the inaugural exhibition. We paired it with a concrete-inspired gray and standard white throughout the galleries.

Exhibition Plan

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Objective_
Arrange nine curated sections across three galleries, totaling 2,700 square feet of exhibition space. Update the exhibition checklist and curator’s script as necessary.
Approach_
The object checklist was extensive, so we divided the exhibition space with a large spine wall running lengthwise. This provided plenty of hanging space and managed circulation while reflecting Brutalism's divisive character. The display cases were designed to look sturdy and chunky, echoing Brutalist architecture.
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Roles: Exhibition Coordination and Design
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Venue: National Building Museum
Co-organizers: National Building Museum and Southern Utah Museum of Art
Co-curators: Angela Person, Ph.D., and Ty Cole
Coordinating director: Caitlin Bristol
Reimagined buildings: BLDUS, Brooks + Scarpa, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Gensler, and Studio Gang, along with
students from the School of Architecture at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Graphic designer: Matt Blum
Photos © Ty Cole​​​​​​​
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