He warns the public against architects who ?build new horrors from huge concrete slabs? Brutalism just can?t get a break. Known for its strong concrete forms and monumental aspirations, Brutalist architecture is one of those love-it-or-hate-it kind of styles. After emerging in the 1950s-1970s, Brutalism has got a bad rap that it?s gradually somewhat overcoming. But U.K. Transport Minister John Hayes is decidedly in the ?hate it? camp.
In a recent speech calling for prettier public buildings, the conservative politician denounced Brutalism as ?aesthetically worthless? and a ?cult of ugliness.?
?Be warned!? Hayes said. ?The descendants of the Brutalists still each day design and build new horrors from huge concrete slabs to out of scale, rough-hewn buildings, and massive sculptural shaped structures which bear little or no relationship to their older neighbors.? He went on to suggest that the U.K. government would usher in a new architectural ?renaissance? by rebuilding a long-demolished Doric arch that once stood outside of Euston station in London. The stones of the old arch have already been retrieved from the River Lea and a plan for rebuilding is soon to follow.

Rides on Railways (1851) / Wikimedia

Hayes cited the architectural taste of Prince Charles to back up his anti-Brutalism, pro-classic-beauty argument. But as you may know, the Prince of Wales isn?t the sharpest pencil in the critic?s box.
?It is interesting to see John Hayes so str...