“Capital Brutalism,” an exhibition co-curated by Dr. Angela Person, associate professor and associate dean for research and external engagement at the Gibbs College, was recently reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Currently on display at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., the exhibition represents the most extensive survey of Brutalist architecture in the nation’s capital to date.
Co-curated with architectural photographer Ty Cole, the exhibition explores the emergence and impact of Brutalist architecture in Washington, D.C., during the 1960s and 1970s. It focuses on six significant buildings and the city’s Metro system, utilizing archival documents, drawings, custom-built models, and contemporary photographs to examine the historical context, current state, and future possibilities of this architectural style.
The Wall Street Journal commended the exhibition for offering fresh insights into a frequently misunderstood architectural movement. The review highlighted how “Capital Brutalism” encourages visitors to reevaluate Brutalist structures by illuminating their aesthetic qualities and historical significance. It praised the inclusion of innovative redesign proposals by contemporary architects, noting that these speculative projects spark meaningful conversations about the preservation and adaptive reuse of these monumental buildings.
Dr. Person’s involvement in “Capital Brutalism” draws upon her research interests in design, community identities, and sustainability. Her scholarship has been supported by institutions such as the Smithsonian, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Graham Foundation.
“Capital Brutalism” is open to the public through February 17, 2025. For more information about the exhibition, visit the National Building Museum’s website.
To read The Wall Street Journal review, visit: Capital Brutalism Review: Washington, District of Concrete.This review also appeared in print on November 4. OU students, faculty, and staff can access The Wall Street Journal for free through OU Libraries.
Robert L. Wesley, a pioneering architect and beloved mentor, has died at age 88. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Wesley joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 1964 and became the firm's first Black partner in 1984. Throughout his career, he contributed to significant architectural projects while maintaining a strong commitment to civic engagement and professional mentorship.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to celebrate a series of recent accomplishments by Dr. Jim Collard, Professor of Practice in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design, whose work continues to shape conversations around Indigenous economic development nationally and internationally.
University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture Dean Hans E. [PA1.1]Butzer returned to one of his most significant works on December 15, joining survivors and past and present board members for the groundbreaking of a $15.8 million expansion of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
