plants vs concrete: a world of eco-brutalism unfolds inside new photography book

Hoxton Mini Press presents ‘Brutalist plants’ monograph

The Brutalist Plants book, penned by Olivia Broome, offers a captivating exploration of the fusion between brutalist architecture and lush vegetation. Published by Hoxton Mini Press, the monograph showcases over 150 evocative images by diverse photographers, capturing the juxtaposition of austere concrete structures and vibrant flora. The book serves as a tangible extension of its renowned Instagram counterpart, Brutalist Plants (@brutalistplants), which shares a diverse array of architectural projects worldwide, from angular terraces adorned with creeping vines to moss-laden cracks resembling natural arteries, and vividly illustrates nature’s reclaiming of urban landscapes.

Brutalist Plants by Olivia Broome | all images courtesy of Hoxton Mini Press

plants vs concrete: olivia Broome’s Photography collection

Within its 208 pages, the Brutalist Plants book published by Hoxton Mini Press (find more here) presents a world of green versus grey, plants versus concrete. The images depict how, although brutalist architecture exudes a cold, austere aura, architects have found ways to integrate greenery into their designs, forging a mesmerizing interplay between rigid concrete and the organic allure of plants. In other cases, nature itself effortlessly reclaims its space within the built environment, without the aid of the architects. From verdant rooftops to flourishing living walls, from the intimate gardens of Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation to the verdurous courtyards and conservatory of London’s Barbican Centre, Olivia Broome curates a captivating collection of imagery from across the globe.

Vertical Garden by Yasushi Okano

Casa Alferez by Ludwig Godefroy – see designboom’s coverage here