Brutalism: the post-World War II style of architecture with an emphasis on materials, textures and construction. This rough and brutish aesthetic was popular for governmental structures thanks to its ‘honest’ ideology. Today, brutalism is experiencing a come-back through architects and designers who’ve have adopted elements of this particular style. Think of Alexander Wang’s collaboration with H&M, the Adidas Tubular series or the work of architect Tadao Ando.

Another modern day example is to be found In Berlin: a former church by Werner Duettmann experienced a revival due to it’s impressive brutalist architecture. St. Agnes, a monument of its era, is recently turned into a cultural complex: gallerist Johan König initiated the project and turned the sacred main space – the actual Church – into an impressive gallery. Art and fashion magazine 032c created the 032c Workshop within another part of the complex: the magazine’s exhibition and event space features an 8-meter-long vitrine designed by Konstantin Grcic. König and 032c are joined by a growing number of creative partners such as architects Robert Neun, art publisher The Green Box and the minimalist Agnes Cafetaria.

All of these combined are turning this landmark complex into Berlin’s new creative hub.

Arthur Groeneveld

www.st-agnes.net

www.johannkoenig.de

A Guy Named Arturo, the alias of Amsterdam/Berlin-based creative consultant Arthur Groeneveld (1986), is an interdisciplinary one-man-show offering brand support, communications, art direction, trend forecasting, and creative research. Also, he forms part of creative duo Arturo Bamboo.

aguynamedarturo.com