Personal Aesthetic: Eco-Brutalist

3 weeks ago

A personal aesthetic is shaped by an individual’s life experiences, personal tastes, and personality traits. I believe that a personal aesthetic is an ever-evolving process, continuously adapting to a person’s current stage in life. Through this blog post, I will explore what I consider to be my personal aesthetic—at least for the moment—and the contributing factors that have led me to adopt it.

It is important to clarify what is included by the term “personal aesthetic.” While it includes personal style and how one presents themselves, it extends beyond that. A personal aesthetic reflects who a person is, what they are drawn to, how they choose to be perceived, the philosophy they adopt in life, and even the company they keep.

I would describe my personal aesthetic as minimalistic yet rugged, with a touch of contradiction. I believe this is a direct reflection of my passions, interests, and hobbies. My taste spans a wide range of opposing fields—from listening to hip-hop one day to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 the next. This tendency to appreciate contrasts has been a recurring theme throughout my life, and it is also evident in my personal style.

This intentional disruption in design, combined with a preference for rugged simplicity, closely aligns with the principles of Brutalism. I wouldn’t say that Brutalism directly influenced my aesthetic, but as I have learned more about it in class, I find myself increasingly drawn to its philosophy. I relate to it naturally, and it provides a tangible way to describe certain aspects of my personal aesthetic.

However, Brutalism was not a prevalent influence in my upbringing. Aesthetic discussions were common in my household, as both my mother and brother are architects, and my father has a appreciation for design. Conversations at the dinner table revolved around design, and I was especially intrigued by the seamless integration of architecture with nature, an aesthetic my mother favored. While I appreciate this style, it doesn’t entirely align with Brutalism. Instead, my aesthetic is more accurately described as eco-brutalist, a fusion of raw, unpolished design with an organic, nature-infused approach.

Eco-Brutalist Architecture

Growing up in Mexico City, a global hub for diverse and historically significant architecture, has also shaped my perspective. The city reflects a fascinating contrast in aesthetics, much like my own. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, under the rule of Porfirio Díaz, a dictator obsessed with French architecture, Mexico experienced a wave of elegant, French-inspired buildings. However, following the Mexican Revolution, the country underwent a drastic shift, embracing a more rugged, functional architectural style. In a way, Mexico’s architectural evolution mirrors my own aesthetic contradictions, blending refinement with rawness. I believe this cultural backdrop has influenced me in more ways than I consciously realize.

French Art Deco in Mexico City

After reflecting on this, I want my project to follow the same eco-brutalist aesthetic. This is an ongoing decision, as I find myself increasingly interested in exploring and learning from this aesthetic. Defining a personal aesthetic is important, and incorporating it into my project will allow me to refine, improve, and adapt it in a more personalized way. Additionally, this aesthetic aligns well with what I currently envision for my final project. However, this is not set in stone. As discussed in class, brainstorming multiple ideas before settling on one can lead to a stronger final concept. Keeping an open mind and allowing an influx of ideas will help ensure that I arrive at the best possible direction for my project.

Brutalist Architecture in Mexico City