UMass Architecture

Why Brutalism?

“Brutalism” is a term with complex origins describes the progressive, dynamic architecture favored internationally from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s that gave form to truthfulness using raw concrete as an architectural expression. Brutalism represents monumental, geometric, sculptural structures that provoke negative and positive reactions. In recent years, however, Brutalist architecture is beginning to receive a resurgent as it is reexamined and redefined as the architectural legacy of post-World War II America. This new appreciation is growing throughout the UMass system as the community has begun to recognize its modernist architectural heritage. Buildings across the UMass campuses are being reimagined for the twenty-first century by respecting their architectural integrity while enhancing their sustainability and accessibility.

Architectural Tours

UMass Amherst Campus

The UMass Amherst master plan, under the direction of Hideo Sasaki, brought in architects for major projects such as the Lincoln Campus Center designed by Marcel Breuer and the Fine Arts Center designed by Kevin Roche. UMass Amherst is also home to many concrete, post-war structures such as the McGuirk Stadium by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and mixed brick and concrete structures, such as the Dubois library designed by Edward Durrell Stone and the Southwest Residential Area designed by Hugh Stubbins.

To visit the Brutalist campus heritage in Amherst - either in person or remotely - please refer to the UMass Amherst Brutalist Buildings Walking Tour

Whitmore Administration Building

Constructed: 1967

Architect: Campbell & Aldrich

Campus Center Parking Garage

Constructed: 1970

Architect: Marcel Breuer and Associates

Randolph W. Bromery Fine Arts Center

Constructed: 1974

Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates

Murray D. Lincoln Campus Center

Constructed: 1970

Architect: Marcel Breuer and Associates

Southwest Residential Area

Constructed: 1966

Architect: Hugh Stubbins and Associates

W.E.B. Du Bois Library

Constructed: 1973

Architect: Edward Durell Stone & Associates

Herter Hall

Constructed: 1969

Architect: Coletti Brothers

Tobin Hall

Constructed: 1972

Architect: Coletti Brother

UMass Boston Campus

Some of the original Brutalist buildings that defined the early campus landscape, as shown in the photographs below, have since been replaced. Fortunately, the UMass Boston campus features the iconic Joseph P. Healey Library designed by architect Harry Weese till this day.

Joseph P. Healey Library

Constructed: ca. 1972-1974

Architect: Harry Weese

Joseph P. Healey Library

Constructed: ca. 1972-74

Architect: Harry Weese

Joseph P. Healey Library Staircase Between 2nd and 3rd Floors

Constructed: ca. 1972-74

Architect: Harry Weese

Columbia Point Campus

ca. 1979

Columbia Point Campus

ca. 1979

Joseph P. Healey Library Staircase Between 2nd and 3rd Floors

Constructed: ca. 1972-74. Photo, present day

Architect: Harry Weese

UMass Dartmouth Campus

The UMass Dartmouth campus consists largely of Paul Marvin Rudolph designed building structures, which are part of the architect's original landscape and campus masterplan.