For our special screening of The Brutalist, we were honored to feature a video essay from Tom Savory, FAIA—Clemson University Architecture Professor and Founding Principal of Watson Tate Savory Architects (1996-2021). In this short presentation, Tom explores the history of the Brutalist Movement and its lasting influence on modern architecture in Columbia and beyond.
The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, is a visually striking and deeply immersive film that follows the fictional story of László Tóth, a prominent Jewish, European architect who manages to escape the horrors of WWII, but in the process is forced to rebuild all aspects of his life, including his relationships and career. Although László Tóth is a fictional character, his story and the designs were inspired by actual architects who immigrated to the US during and after the war. One such Architect is Marcel Breuer, a Hungarian-German architect who went on to become one of the most influential and famous Brutalist Architects to work in the US.
In this video, Tom shares his deep appreciation for Breuer and others, detailing their artistic vision and how it has influenced the Columbia Area Skyline.