Open House Festival

Brutalism 101 - A beginners guide to Brutalism

walk/tour

Penton Rise, WC1X 9EN

I am a recent convert to Brutalism. This walk is designed for novices like me and we will explore, discuss, (and photograph if you want to) the unique architectural style of Brutalism in the heart of London. This is a relaxed walk to look at, and hopefully gain appreciation of, some of London’s Brutalist Buildings. MEETING POINT junction of Penton Rise and Pentonville Road

Getting there

Tube

Angel, King's Cross St. Pancras

Train

King's Cross, St. Pancras

Bus

205, 214, 30, 476, 73

Additional travel info

The meeting point is at the junction of Pentonville Road and Penton Rise. The end point is close to Kingsway, 5 minutes from Holborn tube.

Access

Facilities

Accessibility notes

Mainly level (apart from the start). Some small ramps on route, all with handrails on both sides. There will be main roads to cross.

What you can expect

Accessible toilets/refreshments on route. Places to sit and rest if required.

About

History

Brutalist Architecture is often described as stark but in a city which changes all too often much of it remains. It is a testament to its functionality and durability. Accommodation, hotels, offices, and entertainment venues all feature.

Accessibility

The tour is planned to be fairly slow. The distance is approximately 2.5 miles. There are accessible toilets on the route. It is mainly flat apart from a small but avoidable hill at the beginning. To approach the start point it is 5 to 10 minutes’ walk uphill from Kings cross and a similar (but downhill) distance from Angel. There are small ramps all of which have handrails on both sides. Main roads will need to be crossed but only at pedestrian crossings.

Aims

The aim of the tour is to introduce you to Brutalist Architecture and discuss it from the viewpoint of someone who is a novice to brutalism. Bring your camera.

Online presence

brutalism101.com

www.instagram.com/101brutalism

Nearby

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