Brutalism is "aloof?" I've spent a chunk of my career working in two such monstrosities in the windswept confines of Tunney's Pasture. Alex, try "cold and alienating, reminiscent of the East Bloc." Sadly, Ottawa has more than its share of it. The NAC is the best of a bad batch: nice place to watch a performance, but ask the people who work there what they think. I'm with Herrndorf!