A safe haven (brutalist architecture)

Architecture PhotographyTel AvivIsraelBrutalism

Dec 11

A safe haven

Though a safe haven is mandatory for most of us, curling up too much in your comfy place bares the danger of losing touch with the outside world. Over time, the walls between you and the outside become so thick that it is difficult to break through them. That’s because the more comfortable it becomes, the harder it is to get up again.

Though a safe haven offers security as a place to rest, reflect or heal, it quickly pulls you under its spell if you’re not careful. Yet, the importance is to understand that there is no amount of security worthy of chaining yourself to a pattern that makes you your own prisoner and kills your dreams.

Brutalist architecture in Tel Aviv

I took this photo in 2022. You can see the former building of “Khevrat HaHashmal” (חברת חשמל) – the Israeli electricity company. The building is situated in “HaHashmal St 16” in the central east of Tel Aviv. It is a detached building surrounded by a parking lot for workers with a very pragmatic architecture. In Tel Aviv and Israel, one can find many brutalist buildings. Brutalist architecture developed in the 1950ies in the UK. It is a descendant of the modernist movement.

In contrast to other architectural styles, brutalism usually goes the minimalist way. This means it is possible to see the construction materials, structural elements, and barely any decorative design. Though many describe this kind of buildings as “cold” or “soulless,” they often honestly describe the reason they were built without making up any “better looking” cover. Also, many have become famous landmarks because of their iconic look.