In the post-war period reconstruction was largely carried out in the Brutalist style. Brutalism was associated with a socialist ideology: it tried to eradicate hierarchical distinctions between building types and, to some extent, between people. Unfortunately, concrete weathers badly and the buildings quickly deteriorated. Brutalism became extremely unpopular with the public. The failure of Brutalist structures was a symptom of urban decay, and led to the unpopularity of both the architectural style and the ideology behind it.
However, not all Brutalist buildings were cheaply built. The National Theatre (1976) in London is a building of quality that used the democratic ideal of Brutalism to good effect. This was designed by Denys Lasdun. Although the raw concrete is harsh and severe, there is a complex interlocking of forms and sophisticated spatial treatment. Prince Charles said the National Theater looked like a nuclear power station, but it really demonstrates the best of Brutalism. The finish is stark and austere, so there is nothing to detract from the basic composition. It is extremely well-composed, with long cantilevered decks reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.
More extensive was Denys Lasdun's design for the University of East Anglia. This was a hall of residence with classrooms behind. The residential quarters have a pyramidal massing. The glazed surface is unusual in Brutalist architecture, but it gives a crystalline effect. At the rear, there is a block with a continuous, unbroken axis and a sculptural composition of volumes which is more typical.
