Bittersweet Breuer | Jason R Woods | Architectural Photography

Thus continues the tour of Marcel Breuer buildings across the U.S.. For this installment, we have two of his major works in New Haven, CT. Both of these Brutalist projects were completed in 1970 and are each prime examples of what is possible with pre-cast concrete. The latter is a testament to the importance of proper preservation in regards to significant works of architecture.

Becton Engineering and Applied Science Center at Yale University in New Haven, CT by Marcel Breuer. Photo by Jason R. Woods.

And here is what remains of Marcel Breuer’s Armstrong Rubber building in the Long Wharf district of New Haven. Completed in 1970, it was comprised of the tower that you see below, and a long two-story section behind the nine-story tower you see below. The gap in the two sections of the tower was designed to allow motorists on nearby I95 to still see downtown New Haven as they pass the building. The building is clad in pre-cast concrete panels with rigid shapes throughout, and provide viewers a unique building throughout the day, and the seasons.

Pirelli bought the floundering tire manufacturer in 1988 and shortly thereafter abandoned the New Haven location. Fast-forward to the early 2000s, and IKEA is considering opening a location around Long Wharf. It just so happens that the abandoned Brutalist marvel occupies the space that the Swedish furniture retailer wants to put their parking lot. IKEA’s original plan was to simply raze the entire building, considering they had zero purpose for it. Thankfully New Haven’s mayor, John DeStefano, convinced the big box retailer to remove only the warehouse portion of the building and leave the taller office space. What was once a strong, confident structure in a lushly landscaped park, an amputated Brutalist relic sits awkwardly near the main entrance of an IKEA, surrounded by a massive parking lot.

I find it ironic that a furniture company with such strong ties to Modern design chose to simply demolish a significant piece of architecture by a person who is hugely responsible for developing the aesthetic that they are known for. In any case, I’m glad that at least a piece of this building remains, because it photographs so well.

Armstrong Rubber Co. in New Haven, CT by Marcel Breuer. Photo by Jason R. Woods.