Architecture in the Raw: The Past, Present, & Future of Brutalism

Architecture in the Raw: The Past, Present & Future of Brutalism
February 27, 2026. Noon-6 p.m.
Lawrence Field DEC Center, Jefferson University, East Falls Campus

Thank you to our generous sponsor: VOITH & MACTAVISH ARCHITECTS LLP - Architecture, Preservation, Planning, & Interiors. https://voithandmactavish.com

Noon

Tour: Architecture and Design Center, Thomas Jefferson University.
David Zaveloff, Architectural Historian, Richard Grubb & Associates. $10, limited to 20 people

1:00-1:15

Welcome / Introductions

1:15-2:00

Keynote: Brutal Truths: Architecture's Last Hopeful Forms.
Aaron Betsky, Critic; Visiting Professor, Kean University; Visiting Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania

2:00-2:45

Brutalism and the Synthesis of the Arts: Revisiting Le Corbusier’s Legacy.
Barbara Klinkhammer, Dean, College of Architecture & the Built Environment, Jefferson University; UNESCO Co-Chair Smart, Healthy and Learning Cities

2:45-3:00

Break

3:00-3:45

Concrete Architecture on Campus: Brutalism and the Expansion of the American Higher Education System.
Emma Connolly, Program Specialist, New Jersey Historic Preservation Office

3:45-4:30

Case Study, Hotel Marcel.
Bruce Becker, Director, Becker + Becker Associates

4:30-5:15

Pondering Utopia at Pepper Middle School.
Michael Bixler, Editorial Director, Hidden City Philadelphia

5:15-5:45

Roundtable Panel: What is the Future of Brutalism?
Moderator: Liz Waykus, Executive Director, Docomomo US.
Panelists:
Aaron Betsky, Critic
William Whitaker, Curator and Collections Manager, Architectural Archives, University of Pennsylvania, Weitzman School of Design
Paul Steinke, Executive Director, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

5:45-6:30

Reception

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Host or Publisher Jefferson's Center for the Preservation of Modernism in partnership with Docomomo PHL