(Photo: Simon Phipps)
Welsh architecture, often synonymous with the medieval charm of castles nestled in rugged landscapes, has undergone a transformative journey into the realm of brutalism. Simon Phipps' latest addition to his celebrated brutalist series delves into this transformation, capturing over 60 extraordinary buildings across Wales. Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station, which turns out to be an icon, is not the only surprising place; many of them are located there, showcasing their architectural innovation history and social evolution.
Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station, Eryri National Park
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
Spence's masterpiece, which was constructed from 1959 to 1968, is a miraculous medieval castle in the midst of the tear-producing rising Welsh hills. The purpose is not specified, but it will be to return the lands to pre-nuclear conditions until 2083.
County Hall, Mold
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
The Robert Harvey Architecture, a cast concrete structure set in 1967, sports a minimalist facade with a hovering grid of window openings. However, the final wing was surprisingly poorly chosen and finished in March last year as a measure of cost-cutting.
Margam Crematorium, Port Talbot
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
Designed by FD Williamson & Associates and built in 1969, this Grade II* listed structure offers a serene ensemble of geometric forms in ribbed rusticated concrete. The chapels' vibrant stained glass enhances the structure's beauty.
George Street Bridge, Newport
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
A civil engineering marvel designed by Mott, Hay & Anderson, this bridge, completed between 1962 and 1964, is the UK's pioneer cable-stayed cantilever bridge. Its Grade II* listing speaks volumes about its architectural and engineering significance.
Brambell Building, Bangor University
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
Sir Percy Thomas & Partners' design, erected in 1969, showcases classical airs with regular concrete columns and an inverted ziggurat form. Drawing parallels to the Boston City Hall, it adds a touch of grandeur to the cathedral city of Bangor.
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Bell Tower (La Campanile), Aberystwyth University
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
A Riba gold medalist, this tower, designed by Dale Owen and the Percy Thomas Partnership, stands as a pinnacle of architectural excellence. Its 2003 addition, the 'La Scala' sculpture by Ben Pimlott, adds a contemporary twist to its timeless elegance.
Theatr Ardudwy, Coleg Harlech
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
Designed by Colwyn Foulkes and Partners, this Grade II* listed theater, constructed from 1970 to 1973, utilizes its coastal hill setting to dramatic effect. Despite its closure, its brutalist composition remains a testament to architectural ingenuity.
Margam Steel Works (now Tata Steel), Port Talbot
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
As a showcase for heavy industries, this structure, built between 1948 and 1952, once symbolized industrial progress. However, current management decisions overshadow its legacy, jeopardizing thousands of jobs.
Fairwater Shopping Precinct
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
Gordon Redfern's design, established in 1967, aimed to innovate local hubs with healthcare, shops, and public housing. Despite its ambition, architecture critic Ian Nairn likened it to an "in-turned medieval village."
Port Talbot Bypass (J39 to J41)
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
The Ministry of Transport's intervention, inaugurated in 1966, reshaped the town's urban fabric at a significant cost. Demolishing chapels and houses, it raised the motorway 15 meters above the rooftops, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape.
The Crown Buildings (Cathays Park Buildings)
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
Alex Gordon and Partners' creation, spanning from 1972 to 1979, stands as a monumental addition to Cathays Park. While aligning with its surroundings, its divergence towards contemporary American architecture adds a unique charm.
West Glamorgan County Hall (now Swansea Civic Centre)
(Photo: Simon Phipps)
Overlooking Swansea Bay, this concrete-framed megastructure, erected between 1979 and 1984, exudes grandeur. It stands as a testament to architectural ambition, featuring continuous glazing bands and deep-washed calcined flint pre-cast panels.
As Wales continues to evolve, its architectural landscape reflects a fascinating interplay between tradition and innovation, history and progress. Phipps' photographic exploration captures the physical structures and the stories they tell, inviting viewers to ponder the complex tapestry of Welsh identity etched in concrete and steel. From medieval echoes to modernist marvels, brutalism in Wales is a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and resilience.
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