Raze it or Save it? The Brutalism Debate

Should DC save and adapt its Brutalist buildings or demolish and replace them? Hear both sides debate the future of the city.
About this Event

SAVE + ADAPT vs. DEMOLISH + REPLACE
A Debate on the Future of Washington’s Brutalist Architecture

Few architectural styles inspire as much debate as Brutalism.

Across Washington, DC, Brutalist and Modernist buildings have passionate defenders and equally passionate critics. Some regard them as important works of twentieth-century architecture that deserve preservation and imaginative reuse. Others see them as imposing, inhospitable structures that have diminished the streets and public spaces around them, and believe Washington would be better served by replacing them.

This debate will take on one of the city’s most contentious architectural questions:

Should Washington preserve and adapt its Brutalist buildings for new uses, or demolish and replace them?

We’ll bring together two speakers on each side to make the case for two very different approaches to the future of these buildings:

SAVE + ADAPT

Preserve Washington’s Brutalist and Modernist legacy and find creative ways to give these buildings new life.

Can these buildings be successfully adapted to meet contemporary needs while preserving an important chapter of Washington’s architectural history?

DEMOLISH + REPLACE

Recognize that not every building merits preservation and make way for architecture and urbanism better suited to Washington today.

Should the city be willing to let some of these buildings go in order to create places that better contribute to Washington’s streets, neighborhoods, and public realm?

Join us for a lively discussion about architecture, preservation, adaptive reuse, urbanism, and what Washington should look like in the decades ahead.

Come ready to hear both sides, challenge your assumptions, and decide for yourself: save + adapt or demolish + replace?