This image showcases the harmonious coexistence of brutalist architecture and lush greenery. The concrete facade of the building, with its characteristic angular forms, is softened by the vibrant foliage that climbs and surrounds it. The photograph highlights the juxtaposition of the raw, unyielding nature of concrete with the organic, fluid forms of the plants.
Etoiles de Renaudie in Ivry-sur-Seine, designed by architects Renée Gailhoustet and Jean Renaudie, is a notable example of brutalist architecture, which is known for its straightforward, block-like appearances and exposed concrete construction. This architectural style, which flourished from the 1950s to the mid-1970s, is often associated with a sense of strength and fortitude. The work at Etoiles exemplifies these characteristics, with its bold, angular forms and raw concrete surfaces. The complex is renowned for its innovative design, which includes a series of interconnected residential buildings and communal spaces. An interesting anecdote about Etoiles is that the integration of greenery was a deliberate effort to humanize the brutalist aesthetic and create a more livable environment.
