Eco-Brutalism in the Context of Material-Integrated Aesthetics: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Landscape Design

gorkemekinci4423
Nov 13
4 min read

“A contemporary design approach that redefines the ecological potential of hard materials.”

Eco-Brutalism and “Material-Integrated Aesthetics”: A Theoretical Framework for Landscape Architecture

Eco-Brutalism, while preserving the raw, functional, and material-centered aesthetics of traditional Brutalism, introduces sustainability, local material use, biodiversity, and ecosystem services as core design principles. In this approach, raw materials—often concrete, stone, and reclaimed metals—serve not merely as structural shells but as carriers of spatial, ecological, and emotional narratives. Landscape elements are employed strategically to soften, activate, and reinforce these narratives.

“Material-Integrated Aesthetics”

The notion of material-integrated aesthetics emphasizes incorporating materiality as an essential component of design—without erasing its inherent identity but instead revealing it. This perspective imposes two critical responsibilities on landscape architecture:

Designing vegetative, hydrological, and surface systems that directly engage with materials.
Structuring material circularity, maintenance, and adaptation processes from the outset to generate long-term ecosystem services.

Relationship with Landscape Architecture — Design Principles

Contrast and Dialogue (Raw ↔ Soft)Creating striking contrasts between rigid geometric concrete forms and lush vegetation: climbers, cascading plants, and dense undergrowth soften surfaces, moderate microclimates, and establish biological corridors—frequently observed strategies in eco-brutalist design.(The Guardian)

Material Cycle and LocalityLocally sourced stone, recycled concrete aggregate, gravel, and repurposed metals are combined with permeable substrates and bio-based binders. Landscape design highlights both the visibility and ecological function of these materials—for instance, permeable pavements and pond edges.(roomandwild.com)

Heterogeneous Morphologies and Multi-Layered PlantingA stratified planting palette—from structural trees to shrubs, perennials, and sedum species—integrates the built form with the surrounding ecosystem.

Water Management and “Landscape = Infrastructure”Permeable surfaces, rain gardens, infiltration basins, and constructed wetlands serve as both aesthetic and functional infrastructure in eco-brutalist projects, aligning with sponge city and related frameworks.(Financial Times)

Design and Functional Strategies

Concrete Terraces + Hanging Planting Systems: Modular planters integrated into vertical and horizontal concrete surfaces form vertical landscapes that create microhabitats, shading, sound barriers, and visual relief.
Integrated Conservatories / Indoor Gardens: As exemplified by the Barbican Conservatory, interior landscapes within concrete volumes transform rigidity into vibrant social and ecological spaces.
Green Roofs and Sedum Matrices: Low-maintenance vegetation supports biodiversity and improves thermal performance of concrete roofs.
Permeable Concrete & Local Aggregates: Maintain material expression while reducing surface runoff and mitigating urban heat island effects.
Modular, Repairable Paving Systems: Designed for maintenance and reuse, allowing for flexible landscape adaptation over time.

Suggested Plant Species (Ecological and Aesthetic Rationale)

Trees / Large FormsPlatanus × acerifolia — rapid canopy, urban tolerance, strong contrast with concrete.Betula pendula — slender, light trunks that visually soften structures.

Medium ShrubsPyracantha spp., Rosa spp. — vertical growth habit, seasonal color through flowers and fruit.Cotoneaster horizontalis — low-maintenance coverage on vertical and horizontal planes.

Perennials / Ground LayerMiscanthus sinensis — dynamic texture, year-round visual movement.Salvia nemorosa, Nepeta spp. — pollinator-friendly and drought-resistant.

Roof / Sedum LayerSedum album, Sedum spurium, Sempervivum spp. — resilient to heat and drought, ideal for green roofs.

Climbers / Green FacadesHedera helix — effective wall coverage (requires management).Ficus pumila — small-leaved, aesthetically compatible with modern façades.

Note: Species selection must reflect local climate, soil conditions, ecosystem sensitivity, and maintenance capacity. Prioritizing native and non-invasive species remains both an academic and ethical requirement.

Selected Global Case Studies

Barbican Conservatory, LondonA seminal example of interior eco-brutalist landscaping—housing tropical vegetation within a concrete and glass shell. Its recent restoration plans emphasize maintaining eco-brutalist heritage while improving ecological performance, showcasing how the approach functions in both conservation and renewal contexts.(Wallpaper*)

Urban “Landscape-as-Architecture” ProjectsRecent projects emphasize landscapes as architectural material—using local stone walls, permeable infrastructures, and terrain-integrated forms—conceptually aligned with eco-brutalist aesthetics and performance.(Architizer)

Small-Scale Spatial IntegrationsProjects such as nCAVED demonstrate how geometric, brutalist forms merge with local topography and vegetation, revealing raw materiality as both an architectural and landscape language.(themindcircle)

Applied-Academic Recommendations

Set Ecological Goals During Programming: Link each design decision—material, vegetation, drainage—to a specific ecosystem service (cooling, water management, habitat, carbon storage).
Prototype Materials and Maintenance Cycles: Evaluate the microhabitat potential of concrete surfaces; integrate modular systems to streamline maintenance.
Participatory Design: Engage local communities and maintenance teams early to ensure long-term stewardship.
Scale-Specific Strategies: Coordinate macro-level landscape integration (urban blocks) with micro-scale interventions (courtyards, entries) to achieve cohesive resilience.

Inspiring Eco-Brutalist Landscapes from Around the World

Barbican Conservatory, LondonAn iconic example where brutalist concrete volumes are transformed into interior spaces filled with tropical vegetation. The environment illustrates a harmonious interplay between nature and concrete, emphasizing complementarity rather than conflict.

Landscape-as-Architecture ProjectsRecent urban parks in Copenhagen and Tokyo exemplify the integration of landscape as a fundamental architectural material. Stone walls, recycled concrete benches, and terraces planted with local flora create a cohesive dialogue between built forms and natural elements.

nCAVED House, GreeceCarved directly into rock, this structure represents architecture fully integrated with its raw material context. The surrounding landscape mediates the geometric rigidity of the building, connecting it seamlessly with the continuity and resilience of nature.

Functional Recommendations in Landscape Design

Concrete-Plant Integration: Vertical gardens and suspended vegetation incorporated into concrete volumes.

Permeable Surfaces: Pavements composed of concrete fragments and local stone aggregates designed to capture and manage water.

Rain Gardens and Microhabitats: Plant-based water management systems that mitigate urban heat island effects while supporting biodiversity.

Raw Material Aesthetics in Urban Furniture: Concrete benches, recycled metal lighting fixtures, and stone-textured water features that emphasize material authenticity within public spaces.

Conclusion

Eco-Brutalism and material-integrated aesthetics offer landscape architecture a design language that simultaneously exposes material authenticity and fosters a functional relationship with nature. When combined with material circularity, ecosystem services, and social accessibility, this approach generates resilient, aesthetically powerful, and sustainable environments across urban and landscape scales. Contemporary applications—such as the Barbican Conservatory renovation—illustrate how eco-brutalist principles can inform both preservation and transformation in modern practice.