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Brick Expressionism turns simple masonry (the craft and art of building structures) into bold architecture through assorted brick tones, sharp angles, and detailed patterns that can even reveal faces hidden in the facades (if you look at it from the right angle!).

We peeked into the Reddit community 'Brick Expressionism', where the group documents and shares these unique architectural works from around the globe. What makes these buildings stand out is how they play with shadow, texture, and geometry to give heavy brick structures a sense of fluid movement.

To share what makes this style so special, we’ve put together a selection of the 59 best posts from the group. We invite you to explore the list below and discover these extraordinary examples of expressionist architecture.

More info: reddit.com

#1

Martinkerk Church In Groningen, Netherlands

Martinkerk Church In Groningen, Netherlands

u/Representative-Mix-9 Report

Luigi
Community Member
1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of Bosch paintings.

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    #2

    The Technical Administration Building Of Hoechst Ag In Frankfurt, Germany

    The Technical Administration Building Of Hoechst Ag In Frankfurt, Germany

    u/Boluddhismo Report

    #3

    The Technical Administration Building Of Hoechst Ag In Frankfurt, Germany

    The Technical Administration Building Of Hoechst Ag In Frankfurt, Germany

    "Meant as a sort of Cathedral of Industry, this is the incredible Technical Administration Building of Hoechst AG.

    This is a look straight up from the center, showing the three glass windows on the roof lighting the 3-story-tall brick building and activating the different shades of red, blue, green, and yellow.

    I've been traveling the world photographing buildings for many years. This was one of the most special places I've ever been to, absolutely breathtaking."

    u/Boluddhismo Report

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    #4

    Hamburg Planetarium In Hamburg, Germany

    Hamburg Planetarium In Hamburg, Germany

    "Hamburg Planetarium, one of the world's oldest modern planetariums housed in an Art-Deco water tower, designed by architect Oskar Menzel(1873-1958) and built between 1912 and 1915. Hamburg Stadtpark, Winterhude, Hamburg, Germany."

    u/ManiaforBeatles Report

    Rtblast66
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Planetariums are wonderful places

    #5

    In Gent Belgium

    In Gent Belgium

    u/ArtofTravl Report

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    #6

    The Village West, Manhattan, NYC, USA

    The Village West, Manhattan, NYC, USA

    "The Village West, a recently completed 13-story residential building at 525 Sixth Avenue in Manhattan's West Village. Designed by BKSK Architects, the 145-foot-tall structure spans 123,000 square feet and yields 68 condominium units in one- to four-bedroom layouts, as well as two ground-floor retail storefronts."

    u/ officermeowmeow Report

    GalPalAl
    Community Member
    21 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope it's affordable housing

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    #7

    Steinman Park In Lancaster, Pennsylvania

    Steinman Park In Lancaster, Pennsylvania

    grambocrackah Report

    #8

    The Ouse Valley Viaduct In West Sussex, England

    The Ouse Valley Viaduct In West Sussex, England

    "Its distinctive semi-circular arches and arched vaulting generate an impressive visual effect when seen from below.

    Take the train from London to Brighton, and you will cross over the Ouse Valley Viaduct.

    Note: It is also known locally as the Balcombe Viaduct."

    u/RainbowWarrior73 Report

    Multa Nocte (she/her 8647)
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have always loved photos of this viaduct.

    #9

    Facade Clock In Gärdesskolan, Stockholm

    Facade Clock In Gärdesskolan, Stockholm

    Designed by Paul Hedkvist in 1945.

    u/Birdseeding Report

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    #10

    Shipping House By Jan Van Der Mey, 1916, In Amsterdam

    Shipping House By Jan Van Der Mey, 1916, In Amsterdam

    u/NoConsideration1777 Report

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    #11

    Robinson-Crusoe-Haus And Haus Atlantis Böttcherstraße In Bremen, Germany

    Robinson-Crusoe-Haus And Haus Atlantis Böttcherstraße In Bremen, Germany

    u/NoConsideration1777 Report

    ute wagner
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My home town and a narrow but beautiful little road absolutely worth visiting :)

    #12

    Gaoxingli Insun Cinema In Haikou, China

    Gaoxingli Insun Cinema In Haikou, China

    Designed by One Plus Architects, and completed in 2024.

    u/xtiaaneubaten Report

    #13

    Rivierenbuurt 'Wavy' Balconies In Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam

    Rivierenbuurt 'Wavy' Balconies In Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam

    Built between 1921 and 1923.

    u/NoConsideration1777 Report

    #14

    The Largest Brick-Built Bridge In The World

    The Largest Brick-Built Bridge In The World

    Completed in 1861. Located in Göltzschtalbrücke, Netzschkau, Saxony, Germany.

    u/Duklord96 Report

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    #15

    Unhistoric Townhouse In New York, USA

    Unhistoric Townhouse In New York, USA

    "A 5-story townhouse built by SYSTEMarchitects."

    u/Srbinos Report

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    ''aufstieg Der Begabten''

    ''aufstieg Der Begabten''

    Photograph by Friedrich Seidenstücker, 1950.

    u/dbhaugen Report

    Fred
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aufstieg der Begabten -- idiotic Bp capitals

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    #17

    Athena Theatre In Leicester, UK

    Athena Theatre In Leicester, UK

    "Designed by Robert Arthur Bullivant in 1936, completed in 1938 as a Cinema. It became an Events Venue in 2005."

    u/Over-Willingness-933 Report

    #18

    "Forbidden Churro"

    "Forbidden Churro"

    Located in Sudbury, Suffolk, England.

    u/alekseytihonov61 Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Interesting. The only other chimney I've seen like this I pass on my way to and from work,but it has a much tighter spiral.

    #19

    Ohjo Building Kabukicho

    Ohjo Building Kabukicho

    "An event venue in Tokyo's red light district."

    u/biwook Report

    #20

    The Gallery House In Bansberia, West Bengal, India

    The Gallery House In Bansberia, West Bengal, India

    "Made from Ceramics and Brickwork by Abin Design Studio."

    u/Mimir-is-Here Report

    #21

    Building In London

    Building In London

    u/west_manchester Report

    #22

    Horace Mann Middle School In Denver, Colorado

    Horace Mann Middle School In Denver, Colorado

    "Designed by architect Temple Buell in 1931, located in north Denver."

    u/rskiarsis Report

    #23

    Abandoned Steam Mill In Bucharest, Romania

    Abandoned Steam Mill In Bucharest, Romania

    An 170-year old building.

    u/Urbanexploration2021 Report

    #24

    The Verona In NYC, USA

    The Verona In NYC, USA

    "The Verona is a six-story apartment building on the corner of 7th Avenue and President Street in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood (820 President Street, Brooklyn, New York). Designed in the Queen Anne style by architect John G. Glover (built in 1888)."

    u/stook_jaint Report

    #25

    Iglesia De Atlántida Cristo Obrero Y Nuestra Señora De Lourdes In Canelones, Uruguay

    Iglesia De Atlántida Cristo Obrero Y Nuestra Señora De Lourdes In Canelones, Uruguay

    Eladio Dieste designed it, and it was built in 1958.

    Report

    #26

    Al-Sahaba Mosque In Egypt

    Al-Sahaba Mosque In Egypt

    Located in the Old Market District of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

    u/Low_Advantage_1099 Report

    #27

    City Hall Of Delmenhorst Germany

    City Hall Of Delmenhorst Germany

    Built between 1908 and 1912.

    u/Revolution_by_Design Report

    #28

    Located In Ostend, Belgium

    Located In Ostend, Belgium

    u/ArtofTravl Report

    #29

    The Hundred Thousand Brick House

    The Hundred Thousand Brick House

    "Golf Links is an exclusive neighborhood in central New Delhi, India. Renowned for its sculptural, fabric-like facade, the structure uses handmade bricks combined with parametric design to cast shifting shadows as the sun moves across the sky. The facade was generated using parametric software to program the exact placement of each of the 100,000+ handmade bricks, which were then laid by master stonemasons."

    u/RainbowWarrior73 Report

    #30

    Bricks In Berlin Schöneberg, Germany

    Bricks In Berlin Schöneberg, Germany

    Building by GRAFT.

    u/n3xus1oN Report

    #31

    Anzeiger Hochhaus In Hannover, Germany

    Anzeiger Hochhaus In Hannover, Germany

    u/DrGuldenHart Report

    #32

    Hyde And Seek Glasnevin In Dublin, Ireland

    Hyde And Seek Glasnevin In Dublin, Ireland

    u/Confident_Reporter14 Report

    #33

    Oostzaanstraat Post Office In Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Oostzaanstraat Post Office In Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    "Oostzaanstraat Post Office (part of the Het Schip complex), Amsterdam, the Netherlands, designed by Michel de Klerk in 1919."

    u/archineering Report

    Purple light
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey , I'm going to that museum, Het Schip, today.

    #34

    Mansão Dos Arcos In Brasília, Brasil

    Mansão Dos Arcos In Brasília, Brasil

    Built between 1972 and 1978 by João Filgueiras Lima (Lelé).

    u/HabitNo2037 Report

    #35

    Postgraduate Humanities Building - National University Of Colombia

    Postgraduate Humanities Building - National University Of Colombia

    Designed by architect Rogelio Salmona.

    u/clouseauu Report

    #36

    Harcourt Terrace Educate Together In Dublin, Ireland

    Harcourt Terrace Educate Together In Dublin, Ireland

    Designed by the architectural practice tún architecture + design.

    u/Confident_Reporter14 Report

    #37

    Wilhelmshaven Town Hall In Lower Saxony, Germany

    Wilhelmshaven Town Hall In Lower Saxony, Germany

    Design by Fritz Höger.

    u/Zech_Judy Report

    #38

    Water Tower In Stadskanaal, The Netherlands

    Water Tower In Stadskanaal, The Netherlands

    Designed by H.F. Mertens in 1935.

    u/LaoBa Report

    #39

    Yves Saint Laurent Museum In Marrakesh, Morocco

    Yves Saint Laurent Museum In Marrakesh, Morocco

    "Designed by Studio KO and completed in 2017."

    u/DR3WSY Report

    #40

    In Copenhagen, Denmark

    In Copenhagen, Denmark

    u/More-Magician4492 Report

    #41

    Kahrizak Residential Project

    Kahrizak Residential Project

    Located in Tehran, Iran.

    u/twright57 Report

    #42

    Biscayne National Park Entrance Sign

    Biscayne National Park Entrance Sign

    u/ATLcoaster Report

    #43

    Kirche Am Hohenzollernplatz In Berlin, Germany

    Kirche Am Hohenzollernplatz In Berlin, Germany

    Designed by Fritz Höger, and built between 1930 and 1933.

    u/n3xus1oN Report

    #44

    ‘Crinkle-Crankle’ Walls In The UK

    ‘Crinkle-Crankle’ Walls In The UK

    u/RainbowWarrior73 Report

    Edward Stripp
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the only way to build a sturdy wall with much less bricks

    #45

    In Brussels, Belgium

    In Brussels, Belgium

    u/NoConsideration1777 Report

    #46

    Detail Of Cornice, Hans Heinrich Müller In Berlin, Germany

    Detail Of Cornice, Hans Heinrich Müller In Berlin, Germany

    u/NoConsideration1777 Report

    #47

    Cacto Pizza Di Barrio In Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Cacto Pizza Di Barrio In Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Restaurant interior design.

    u/[deleted Report

    #48

    School Building In Copenhagen

    School Building In Copenhagen

    Built with recycled bricks.

    u/reverse422 Report

    #49

    Der Elefant In Bremen, Germany

    Der Elefant In Bremen, Germany

    "Near the centre of the northern German city of Bremen is a large elephant made of bricks. This imposing ten-metre high structure — designed by Fritz Behn — was completed in 1931 as a monument to the German colonies which then included Cameroon, Togo, Deutsch-Ostafrika [Tanzania], Deutsch-Südwestafrika [Namibia] and several islands"

    The Bremen Colonial Society created this monument in memory of the German soldiers who died in the German colonies during the First World War.

    u/NoConsideration1777 Report

    #50

    Mulberry House In New York City, USA

    Mulberry House In New York City, USA

    Designed by SHoP Architects in 2012.

    u/[deleted] Report

    #51

    The International Rugby Experience In Limerick, Ireland

    The International Rugby Experience In Limerick, Ireland

    Designed by Níall McLaughlin. Built in 2022.

    u/Cedric_Hampton Report

    #52

    De Bijenkorf In Den Haag, The Netherlands

    De Bijenkorf In Den Haag, The Netherlands

    Designed by Piet Kramer, and built in 1926.

    u/mrclgbrt Report

    #53

    Corner-Building In Tallinn, Estonia

    Corner-Building In Tallinn, Estonia

    Built in 1935.

    u/NoConsideration1777 Report

    #54

    Temple In Vennached, India

    Temple In Vennached, India

    u/melanf Report

    #55

    Building Located Near Near Washington Sq, NYC

    Building Located Near Near Washington Sq, NYC

    SnooChickens561 Report

    #56

    New Apartment Building In Saint Petersburg, Russia

    New Apartment Building In Saint Petersburg, Russia

    Report

    #57

    Bethlehemskirken By Kaare Klint In Copenhagen, Denmark

    Bethlehemskirken By Kaare Klint In Copenhagen, Denmark

    u/BarricadeGoth Report

    #58

    Thomas Labs In Princeton University, New Jersey, USA

    Thomas Labs In Princeton University, New Jersey, USA

    u/rogerjcohen Report

    #59

    Brick Fireplace

    Brick Fireplace

    "Brick fireplace featured in ‘Architectural Ornamentalism: Detailing in the Craft Tradition,’ 1987, by Jim Kemp. Ph: Robert Perron."

    u/PassingCrime Report