Manifesto

Architectural Brutalism

A Design Manifesto by Dog House Riot

Topic
Design Philosophy
Year
2025

Architectural Brutalism is the intersection of brutalist honesty and neo-brutalist discipline.

It is not decoration.

It is not rebellion for its own sake.

It is design built like architecture — intentional, structural, and uncompromising.


We Design Structure First

We treat websites as systems, not surfaces.

Information architecture comes before aesthetics.

Hierarchy comes before ornament.

Logic comes before polish.

If the structure is weak, no amount of styling will save it.


We Use Brutalism as Expression, Not Neglect

Brutalism is not chaos.

It is clarity without apology.

High contrast is intentional.

Typography carries weight.

Edges are honest.

Nothing is rounded to make you comfortable.


We Apply Neo-Brutalist Discipline

Every decision is deliberate.

Spacing is consistent.

Reading order is respected.

Performance and accessibility are non-negotiable.

If something is loud, it earns the right to be loud.


We Design for Decisions, Not Browsing

Most users are uncertain.

We design for that reality.

We reduce choices before expanding them.

We guide before we decorate.

We remove noise instead of adding features.

Clarity is the conversion.


We Reject Default Design

Templates are shortcuts.

Brand-safe design is camouflage.

Polish without intent is distraction.

If it looks familiar, it better have a reason.


We Filter on Purpose

Our work is not for everyone.

That is a feature.

Good design attracts the right audience and repels the wrong one.

Comfort is optional.

Confidence is not.


We Build What Needs to Exist

No trends.

No filler.

No visual apologies.

Only structure.

Only intent.

Only work that holds up.


Architectural Brutalism

Brutalist in presence.

Neo-brutalist in execution.

Built to last.

Built to decide.

Built to be remembered.