Pirelli Tire Building

The Pirelli Tire Building (now known as Hotel Marcel) in New Haven, Connecticut, designed by Marcel Breuer and completed in 1970, is a striking example of Brutalist architecture. Known for its bold, monolithic form, the building features a massive concrete superstructure with a distinctive inverted "ziggurat" shape, where upper floors cantilever over the base. Breuer’s design emphasises raw, unadorned concrete (a hallmark of Brutalism) and geometric rigor, creating a powerful, fortress-like presence. The building’s heavy, sculptural massing contrasts with the surrounding low-rise urban fabric, making it a controversial yet iconic landmark. Its deep recessed windows and textured concrete surfaces play with light and shadow, enhancing its dramatic effect while serving functional needs for office spaces.