Docomomo DC will host a lecture and tour highlighting the unique Brutalist architectural heritage of Washington, D.C., as part of this year’s annual, nationwide Docomomo Tour Day.

Brutalism is an architectural style everyone loves to hate, but marks an important period in the history of design and the history of our Washington, D.C. Recent demolitions of Brutalist buildings in the city have shown that now is the time to reevaluate and celebrate this architecture.

The event will begin with a lecture titled "Heroism and Hubris" by architectural historian Michael Kubo on the evolution of brutalist design and its development within Washington, D.C. Kubo is an assistant professor at the University of Houston’s College of Architecture and co-author of Heroic: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston, a history and analysis of Boston’s brutalist architecture.

Participants will then depart on a walking and Metro tour of the K Street and Dupont Circle neighborhoods to view buildings that demonstrate the varied scales, material choices, and functions of D.C. Brutalism. Tour highlights include the Sunderland Building (1969), the headquarters of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (1977), and the Farragut North (1976) and Dupont Circle (1977) Metro stations, among others.

Ticket to Include:

• Brutalist Washington Map

• Tour brochure

• Metro fare

Partners & Sponsors:

Partners:

• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

• DC Preservation League

• Montgomery Modern

Sponsors:

• Quinn Evans Architects

• Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

• Grunley Construction Company

• EHT Traceries

• Beyer Blinder Belle

• Association for Preservation Technology, Washington, D.C. Chapter (APT DC)

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

On-street parking is available near AIA National. Recommended Metro stops include Farragut North on the Red Line and Farragut West on the Blue/Orange Line.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Contact Lucy Moore at LMoore@quinnevans.com for questions.

Where can I find more information?

Find us on our website, on Facebook at Docomomo DC, and on Twitter and Instagram @docomomo_dc.

What if it rains?

Our lecture and tour will take place rain or shine!