Digital art
Part of a series of Orlando’s great buildings from the past and present.
The Orlando Public Library was built in 1966, and is the most prominent example of Brutalist architecture in the city. The name may sound ominous, but it comes from “Béton Brut”, or raw concrete. It came about in the mid 20th century, and is recognizable for blocky, geometric shapes, extensive use of poured concrete, and unfinished textures. The building was designed by architect John M. Johansen, who referred to his work as a “composition in monolithic concrete.”
The library was controversial when it debuted and it’s still not a universally loved style, but I think it adds a unique flavor to Orlando’s skyline, and the harsh lines are softened by the trees and landscaping that have grown around it over the years. An expansion designed by architect Duane Stark was completed in 1986, which successfully provided much-needed additional space while blending with the established original style.
