Barco Law Building, Brutalist university building in Pittsburgh, United States
The Barco Law Building is the law school structure at University of Pittsburgh defined by raw concrete surfaces, geometric shapes, and sharp angular forms. It houses the law library and classrooms within its monumental concrete framework.
The building was constructed in the late 1960s when American universities were adopting modernist architectural principles. This period marked a shift toward functional, geometric designs in higher education architecture.
Inside, the Teplitz Memorial Moot Courtroom features oak paneling and a large mosaic artwork by Virgil Cantini that brings warmth to the concrete interiors. This decorated space contrasts sharply with the building's raw exterior surfaces.
Access is typically limited to university affiliates and authorized visitors, so check with the university beforehand. The building sits on the main campus in a central location within the university's core academic area.
The structure displays strong brutalist features with exposed concrete elements and sharp angles that reflect post-war institutional design thinking. This raw aesthetic was deliberately chosen to express functionality and institutional permanence.
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