Category Archives: Rest of Europe

Rathaus Bensburg

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Rathaus Bensburg – Bensburg
Completed: 1969
Architect: Gottfried Böhm

Rathaus Bensburg, or Bensburg Town Hall, was completed in 1969 and was designed by German architect Gottfried Böhm. It is set within the remains of a 12th century castle and, as you can see from the photos, is physically connected to elements of the old castle at several points.

The new intergrates well with the old, with the Rathaus giving a strong fortress like feeling. The windows create a strong horizontal emphasis, which serves to highlight the magnificent tower with its glazed spiral staircase and sculptural crown.

Well worth the bus ride from nearby Cologne if you are visiting.

Les Choux de Créteil – Paris

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Les Choux de Créteil – Paris
Construction: 1969 – 1974
Architect: Gerard Grandval

I took a trip out to Créteil just to have a look at these unique buildings. The 10 ‘Cabbages of Créteil’ are set in leafy gardens which provided some much needed shade on a hot day. The curvaceous concrete balconies of the circular towers give them their distinctive sprout like appearance. Wooden shutters provide a nice contrast of materials while adding a luxurious feel.

Apparently choucroute production was big in the area during the 19th century. While that may not be to my taste, the architecture that stands there currently certainly is.

Le Palais de Justice – Creteil

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Le Palais de Justice – Paris
Construction: 1978
Architect: Daniel Badani

On my trip into the Parisian suburbs to see the Choux de Creteil I stumbled on this wonderful courthouse. The 16 storey tower symbolises the scales of justice and is designed to resemble an open book. Concrete seems an especially appropriate building for court buildings, as demonstrated by this imposing edifice. Stay out of trouble kids.

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Buildings – Lisbon

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Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Buildings – Lisbon

Construction: 1969

Architects: Ruy Athouguia, Pedro Cid & Alberto Pessoa

Brutalism is often considered harsh, cold and unfriendly. Indeed when it needs to be, it can be. Sheffield Magistrates Court for example stands like a menacing concrete fortress, complete with its own drawbridge. With the Gulbenkian however, we see Brutalism’s softer side. The structures are situated around the small lake at the centre of Gulbenkian Park and are surrounded by lush greenery. Plantings on the buildings themselves help them blend into the surroundings. Large concrete slabs form paths which wind through tranquil woodland to connect the buildings. The resulting effect is almost picturesque, with the concrete structures resembling blocky rock formations rising from forest floor.

Calçada do Combro Car Park – Lisbon

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calçada do combro Car Park – Lisbon

I looked for this car park on Calcado do Combro on a Twitter recommendation. I eventually stumbled upon it at twilight on my last day in Lisbon. The poor light and the fact that half of the building is covered by a large advertising hoarding meant that I was unable to get as many good shots as I would have liked, but the beauty of the building still managed to shine through. The concrete construction is tempered somewhat by the soft blue tiles which cover the vertical projections on the facade, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with the older surrounding architecture. Hidden on the top floor of the car park is a delightful little roof terrace and small bar populated by some of Lisbon’s numerous hip young folk, where you can sip a cold beer and take in the fantastic view of the historic centre.