Foreword

‘Brutalist’ architecture, despite the type’s significance to the study of building design, has drawn a great amount of criticism since its appearance in the mid-20th century.

From the United States to Europe to Asia, many examples of Brutalist buildings face demolition, having reached an end to their original lifespans and requiring major renovations. Some owners cite the difficulties of adapting these structures to new programmatic or functional needs. Others simply demand the removal of these buildings due to their ‘inhuman’ nature and lack of transparency, claiming them as eyesores to their communities in both urban and suburban settings. There are instances, though, of Brutalist buildings having been successfully overhauled and restored.

This competition sought new ideas for this practice, focusing specifically on an abandoned apartment block in Liepaja, Latvia, a Russian and Soviet-influenced port city on the Baltic Sea, and a region that is home to many such buildings. Bee Breeders architecture competition organisers and its partners in the municipality of Liepaja would like to thank those who participated in this design competition.

COMPETITION ORGANISERS
Brutalist Facelift

1st Prize Winner

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win1

Authors Ilana Simhon, , ,
Country United States

2nd Prize Winner

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win2

Authors Joanna Burton, , ,
Country Spain

3rd Prize Winner

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win3

Authors Emily Kutil, Jordan Hicks, ,
Country United States

Honorable Mentions

Show Honorables Mentions (6 of 6) Hide Honorables Mentions projects
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h1

Authors Ayesha Moghal, Joseph Yau, ,
Country Canada
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h2

Authors Thomas Ugo Ermacora, Tere Garcia Alcaraz, James W Brady,
Country United Kingdom
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h3

Authors Larisa Ratoi, Alexandru Oprita, Laurentiu Constantin,
Country Romania
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h4

Authors Lucía Martínez, , ,
Country Spain
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h5

Authors Anna Rita Emili, , ,
Country Italy
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h6

Authors Marco Corazza, Alessandra D'Apolito, Vincenzo Di Salvia, Simona D'Apolito
Country Italy