Nino Ferrari Mathis brings with his Instagram channel, Ninosbuildings, brutalist architecture to the social media audience. With his posts he shares his love for architecture, particularly brutalism. Nino is originally from Paris, he grew up in Brazil and lives at the moment in New York, where he studies architecture at Parsons School of Design. POM Magazine’s editor, Giulia Weyerman, interviewed him to find out about his passion for architecture, his love for brutalist buildings and what’s so special about concrete.
by Giulia Weyerman
Nino, what is your vision on concrete?
I love concrete, whether it is finished, whether it is polished, whether it is raw. It just has always been esthetically pleasing to me. Especially in the brutalist style of the 1960’s. Having visited places in different climates I would say that concrete looks best when it is near nature. Concrete has such a stark look to it. When it is contrasted with nature, it creates a lot of beauty.
On your Instagram channel you show a lot of brutalist architecture. Why does brutalism appeal to you so much?
Not necessarily because of its esthetic but because of its mentality. At the time when brutalism architecture was at its height in the 60s and 70s, its creativity was also at its height. So, I see brutalism rather as a means of expression than an architectural style. A lot of brutalist buildings have extremely experimental spaces and forms, that are just not present anymore. People tend to overlook that. They don’t allow themselves to actually experience what the architects designed for them. To be in a space like that is very special. That’s why I have fallen in love with brutalism.
I noticed several posts on Brazilian brutalism. What do you like about Brazilian brutalist architecture?
Most people think of Eastern Europe and Soviet architecture, when they think of brutalism. Perhaps that is why there is a preconceived notion of brutalism being dark, sad and covered in gray skies. But Brazil and Latin America as a whole have always had beautiful brutalist architecture surrounded by vegetation and natural light. Whenever I post videos about these buildings, people alter their brain chemistry. They thought brutalist architecture dark and depressing, and now they are starting to like it. It’s funny, I have been seeing people slowly getting addicted to brutalism.
With your Instagram channel you bring brutalism to people who never heard about it before and who come to appreciate it. Why don’t you focus on other styles?
The Instagram channel didn’t start as a brutalist Instagram. Actually, I am a bit worried that brutalism is becoming my personality. As much as I love it, it’s a small scope of architecture. It’s such a niche. It didn’t last long but it caused such a ripple effect. When I started the Instagram channel I focused mainly on contemporary and modern architecture, especially modernism from the 1960s. What’s so interesting about the architecture of the 60s is its contrast in designs. Some building show nothing but concrete while others use a lot of glass. The posts vary back and forth between light, airy constructions like glass houses, and buildings with a lot of concrete. These posts seem like a conversation starter.
Do you have a favorite building?
One of my favorite buildings is Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC), near Rio de Janeiro. It was designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It is shaped like a UFO and when I’m in MAC, I feel like I’m on another planet. It is the most beautiful building I have ever visited in my life. Every time when I am in Rio, I visit this building.
Do your followers influence your posts on Instagram?
Whenever I visit a city, the first thing I do is post a story asking what do you guys want me to film. Quite often when I visit a building it is with one of the followers of my channel, who organized access to the building or gives me a tour. When I was in Brazil, all of the buildings I visited were referred to me by followers. So, I am not the only decision maker. Obviously, I like to prioritize the buildings because I only have so much time to film. But I always listen to what the people want.
Does brutalism influence your architectural designs?
It does, but it is quite controversial. Last semester I designed a building made out of concrete, inspired by my new found love for brutalism. When I was preparing the presentation, the professor came up to me and said: “Nino you can’t make this building out of concrete.” I replied: “Why, that’s so sad.” She explained: “Because it’s not sustainable.” Today’s architecture schools are teaching about sustainability. An important reason why brutalist architecture stopped in its prime is because it wasn’t sustainable. The buildings consist of a lot of concrete, they cost a lot and require a lot of carbon emission. However, architecture school is all about learning what you like and how to apply it. I explained that my design is just a concept, it is not going to be built. I just want to show my means of expression when it comes to architecture and style. Then I got the greenlight to do the presentation and everyone loved it. Concrete is still used everywhere. But in order for brutalism to come back they have to find a way to make it sustainable, which is a challenge.
Do you think there might be a material that could replace concrete but still has the brutalist mentality?
Nothing compares to the way concrete can be used, because it makes such a fluid form. You can literally put it into a cast and it will create anything you want. It was such an expressive way of showing creativity way back in the 60s, whereas wood and brick are more rectilinear. But I think it’s possible to create the same forms with them. They will give a warmer feeling to the people because concrete always gives a cold look to a building.
Do you think we can still call it brutalism then?
No (laughs). Maybe the form, but that will be a stretch because brutalism is so associated with concrete and also with the 1960s. It’s hard to put it back on the map like that.
