Over the span of 10 weeks, a collection of mini concrete buildings were created, forming a miniature Brutalist city. In this post, I outline the process of creation, and what this experience has taught me.
– Saskia Catalan – Project X Art Student (author)
Process of Creation – Research
The first step in the process of creation was to research the Brutalist art style. We compiled our research on a word document; we included photos of Brutalist Architecture from Europe, an Eastern Australian state and WA. The genre of brutalism can often be found in buildings – it focuses on geometrical forms using concrete to form a monochrome structure. The name comes from the ‘brutal’ aura the style gives off, it is often described as ‘inhumane’ due to its unwelcoming appearance.
The target was to complete the documentation by the first week, and I achieved that goal using organisational skills – I planned out everything I needed to research and went straight to work.
Prototyping
The next step was to create a prototype for our final concrete product. Here, we used Lego as a base to create our mould out of Pinkysil, that we would eventually pour concrete into. The Lego design would be geometric to mimic the Brutalist style. I incorporated Inquisitive and Creative skills in developing the design – I made a total of three drafts. Even though the aim was to mimic Brutalism as much as possible, I wanted to create a Lego structure that wasn’t entire random and ‘alienized’. Using problem solving, I decided to go forth with my final draft which was in the shape of a geometrical heart (see the finished product below). I am happy with my decision and I feel like the design is balanced between the Brutalist style and a symbol (love heart) that is pleasing to the eye.
Creating the Mould
After our prototype, the next step was to create the mould. Our aim was to create a ‘container’ out of acrylic board to pour the Pinkysil into, over the Lego. After the Pinkysil sets, we are left with a mould that lets the concrete set into the exact desired shape of the Lego prototype.
The ‘container’ was made of cut acrylic board and a base, along with masking tape and hot glue. First, we measured out the needed lengths and widths (we aimed to have each wall of acrylic board have a gap of 1cm between the Lego prototype) of the acrylic board using an X-Acto knife. We then used masking tape to hold the board and base in place while we secured it using hot glue.
To make sure our mould was leak-proof, we poured water into the mould and watched for any spillage. If we used the Pinkysil on the first try, we run under the risk of leaking. When pouring the water into my mould, it leaked in various places. So I used problem solving to improve my mould – I patched up all the areas that leaked using hot glue.
On my second try of testing the mould, there were no leaks. It was ready to hold the Pinkysil. First, I measured the amount of Pinkysil needed to create my mould by pouring water into the mould and measuring the capacity (how much water it held). I then mixed the required amount of Pinkysil – half of each solution, part A and part B. Once they were properly mixed with a tongue depressor, I poured it into the mould. I made sure to agitate the mould so any air bubbles with come to the surface and pop.
Forming the Concrete Creation
I waited a week for the Pinkysil to set, then I took it out and discarded the mould. It was ready for the concrete pouring. We mixed an appropriate amount and ratio of concrete powder to water. We then poured it into the mould and waited for it to set. Waiting another week once again, the concrete has set.
Taking the concrete out of the mould without it breaking was a challenge. However I used problem-solving to slightly cut open the mould using the X-Acto knife to take the concrete out easier. The creative finished product is below!
Creative: Images of the final products
My individual concrete creation with the mini concrete city in the background.
Final Words
I feel like I was organised throughout the project and met my target goals. I completed the mould and concrete creations way before the due date of term 1 – I was able to make 4 creations in total. While waiting for the concrete to set, I used the rest of my class time either helping others with the project or completing other school work.
Overall, I really enjoyed working on this project. In this term of art, I learnt all about Brutalism, including stylistic characteristics and real life examples. I also put into practise the organisational, creative, inquisitive and problem-solving skills, all of which will help me in many areas later on in life. It was fun to collaborate and help each other, and I enjoyed the creative process very much.