Boston Architecture, Part 3: The Brutalist Style (Re-Air)

This is a re-aired recording from the most recent live occurrence of this New York Adventure Club webinar.

From its founding in 1630 to the present day, Boston, Massachusetts has had a unique place in the annals of American architecture that's been nothing short of astounding. That's because for over 300 years, it's been the testing ground for architectural styles that have gone on to influence building design across the nation and world. What architectural styles got their start in this New England enclave and what ground-breaking styles are taking hold today? From the works of the first American-born architect to the influence of European expatriates, it's time to explore the history of Boston's architecture and its unique place in the story of America.

Join New York Adventure Club for a three-part series on the history of Boston architecture, where we'll examines the buildings and structures that have made Boston unique in its influence on American cities. In Part Three: The Brutalist Style — we'll explore how a fresh wave of European influence merged with American trends to make Boston a capital of a new and aggressive style known as Brutalism.

Led by architectural historian David V. Griffin of Landmark Branding, this digital showcase featuring a selection of unique structures will include:

• A brief overview of the skyscraper in Boston
• A brief look at how Art Deco and other early 20th century styles were interpreted by the city
• The coming of Walter Gropius and other Europeans fleeing WWII and the new formal austerity they introduced
• The development by architects such as Paul Rudolph of Boston Brutalism, a heroically scaled attempt to provide a new way for civic architecture to engage with the public
• An in-depth look at each building's construction, context, and current status, with a focus on how culture and innovation drive architectural symbolism

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

Boston Architecture Series

Part 1: The Federal Style (October 15 @ 8pm ET)

Part 2: The Victorian & Beaux-Arts Styles (October 22 @ 8pm ET)

Part 3: The Brutalist Style (October 29 @ 8pm ET)

About David Griffin

A seasoned public speaker and tireless professional strategist, Griffin’s nearly 25 years’ experience in publicity, programming, writing and research is matched by his encyclopedic knowledge of real estate, architecture and design. His clients include developers, brokers and marketing companies as well as architects and design firms.

Griffin is Special Consultant to and a regularly appearing featured guest on the soon-to-be relaunched podcast Rediscovering New York, hosted by Jeff Goodman of Brown Stevens Harris; Griffin’s writing has appeared in Real Estate Weekly, Metropolis, Dwell and the National Trust’s Preservation Magazine and he is a featured contributor to Brownstoner. He is currently at work on several fiction and non-fiction projects.

Griffin graduated from Vassar College with a double major in English & Art History and has recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as the President Emeritus of the Vassar College Croquet Club. He has also served on the Events Committees for the Vassar Club of New York, the historic Montauk Club in Park Slope and the Young Patrons of The American Friends of the Louvre.

Testimonials

" I live in Boston so it was nice to learn more about buildings I know and to discover new buildings. I really appreciate the list of buildings that David provides in all his webinars."

" Everything about the presenter’s program was superb. I live in Newton, which is immediately to the west of Boston, and have been to at least half of the buildings he spoke about. I don’t know their histories even though I have belong to more than one historical society. I learned so much! His photos and commentary were so explicit. I really appreciated his critique especially as Boston City Hall is so hated. I hope David Griffin does more architecture programs for NYAC."

" I learned a lot about buildings I've seen on a regular basis much of my life!"

" David, the images, the way he points out what particular elements constitute the various styles of architecture, his ability to share his likes and dislikes without demeaning an architect's work."

" I liked the chronological aspect of the architectural survey. I enjoyed all three sessions! Thank you"

" i liked everything about all 3 webinars. Thank you!!"

" It made me look at buildings that I've overlooked in Boston (where we live in summer). The presenter was knowledgeable, skilled at presenting, and had a sense of humor." -Louis

" Good pictures of the buildings, particularly the skyscrapers -- on prior tours of Boston, we only saw street-level views, and the full pictures of the full buildings was informative. Have enjoyed all of David's presentations to-date. Thanks!"

" I enjoy David's presentations, and this time around appreciated both the detour to Fenway Park and the exploration of Brutalism, being of an era when that style defined a lot of public buildings with, as he observed, varying degrees of success. His lists of buildings he is talking about is invaluable. David always has a lot of content, but this series was been a little less packed so there was been more time to focus on the visuals and let each property sink in more fully. Although I have appreciated his attempts to include as many locations as possible in previous programs, this more moderate pace actually made this series more enjoyable for me, as I am making notes."

"The presenter was excellent. Knew his material, presented it well. One of the best series we have seen."

"We always enjoy and are stimulated by David's presentations. He is thorough in his preparation and "knows his stuff." He isn't shy about using somewhat technical, professional descriptions, but that's how I learn. I appreciate the brisk pace of his talks and the list of structures he shows. I know the hard work he has to put into his talks. Nevertheless, please tell him we hope he continues his travels and lectures." -Susan

"I didn't even think I liked Brutalist style architecture! Interesting and excellent." -Jacqueline

"David was as always, very good. Learned a lot" -Lorraine

"I enjoyed learning about Boston architecture and its related history. The photos were excellent overall (and David told us when they weren't). I enjoyed David's Star Wars story; it was such a sweet touch. Toward the end, he became more dismissive of the modern buildings, though his points about why made sense sometimes. He is clearly very knowledgeable and generally checks the chat and acknowledges pronunciation tips (I'm a Boston native, though I haven't lived there in over 30 years)." -Melissa

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment