Capital Brutalism
June 1, 2024–June 30, 2025
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 discovered 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.
Objective
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Rework eight thematic sections across three galleries while preserving the exhibition’s original identity. Adapt the checklist and curatorial script as needed for a clear, cohesive, and compelling story within a smaller footprint.
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Rework eight thematic sections across three galleries while preserving the exhibition’s original identity. Adapt the checklist and curatorial script as needed for a clear, cohesive, and compelling story within a smaller footprint.
Challenge
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The exhibition debuted at the Southern Utah Museum of Art in a 4,800-square-foot open-plan gallery. At the National Building Museum, it needed to fit within three bayed galleries totaling 2,700 square feet—requiring thoughtful compression without losing clarity, rhythm, or impact.
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The exhibition debuted at the Southern Utah Museum of Art in a 4,800-square-foot open-plan gallery. At the National Building Museum, it needed to fit within three bayed galleries totaling 2,700 square feet—requiring thoughtful compression without losing clarity, rhythm, or impact.
Approach
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Inspired by Brutalism’s bold presence, we introduced a central spine wall running the length of the galleries. It divided the space much like the architecture itself can divide opinion, while increasing hanging capacity and guiding movement. Chunky, minimal display cases echoed the monolithic character of the buildings on view.
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Inspired by Brutalism’s bold presence, we introduced a central spine wall running the length of the galleries. It divided the space much like the architecture itself can divide opinion, while increasing hanging capacity and guiding movement. Chunky, minimal display cases echoed the monolithic character of the buildings on view.
Story Plan
Outcome
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Visitors moved through a space that felt as bold and direct as the architecture it examined. The central spine guided circulation while offering new vantage points, encouraging people to look again—and think differently—about Brutalism’s scale, purpose, and public role. Many left reconsidering buildings once dismissed as cold or imposing.
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Visitors moved through a space that felt as bold and direct as the architecture it examined. The central spine guided circulation while offering new vantage points, encouraging people to look again—and think differently—about Brutalism’s scale, purpose, and public role. Many left reconsidering buildings once dismissed as cold or imposing.
Project Details
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Venue: National Building Museum
Size: 2,781 SF
Content: Objects (140), Videos (4), Murals (4)
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Roles: Exhibition Coordination and Design
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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
Visual identity: Richard Z. Hooker
Coordinating graphic designer: Matt Blum
Photos © Ty Cole
—
Venue: National Building Museum
Size: 2,781 SF
Content: Objects (140), Videos (4), Murals (4)
—
Roles: Exhibition Coordination and Design
—
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
Visual identity: Richard Z. Hooker
Coordinating graphic designer: Matt Blum
Photos © Ty Cole