Oscar Niemeyer And The Dream Of Brasilia

Probably the only figure in Brasilia's history who is more important than its founder, is that of Oscar Niemeyer. When you go sightseeing in the city of Brasilia, it is Niemeyer's work that you will be looking at. Here is a look at the life and work of architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Oscar Niemeyer was born on December 15th, 2007, in Rio de Janeiro. He went to school and graduated from the Escola Nacional de Belas Artes in Rio in 1934. After graduating, he went on to work with Le Corbusier, who is often considered the leader in the modernist movement in architecture during the 20th century.

Le Corbusier was commissioned to build the Ministry of Education and Health in Rio, and this was the first project Niemeyer worked on. It was during this time that he first met Lucio Costa, who would eventually be the main urban planner for the city of Brasilia. They worked together under Le Corbusier on the Ministry of Health and Education building, and after the project ended in 1938, they continued to work together.

Under Le Corbusier's tutelage throughout the 1940's, Niemeyer developed a style of his own. Like most modernist architects at the time, his early work shows the influence of Le Corbusier. However, as the decade wore on, Niemeyer's work began to show startling signs of originality. It was also during his mentorship with Le Corbusier that he first met the future president of Brazil and founder of Brasilia, Juscelino Kubitschek.

The opportunity to design the buildings for the new capital of Brasilia gave Niemeyer a chance to experiment with different forms. Niemeyer added to the stark modernist style of Le Corbusier more plastic shapes that were organic, curved and warm. Niemeyer's style shows a marriage between modern and baroque styles that many feel is uniquely Brazilian.

Brasilia's important government buildings are the best representation of Niemeyer's work; the domes of the National Congress, the distinctive curved columns of the palaces and Supreme Court, and the utterly original designs of the Brasilia Cathedral and Ministry of Justice all show his work at its best.

After the city was finished, Niemeyer went on to do lots of work elsewhere. Among his most famous works are the Estrada das Canoas and Obra de Berco in Rio de Janeiro; the Copan building, Ibiraquera Park, and the Dutchen factory in Sao Paulo; the Zoological Garden and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Algiers; the Renault office building in Italy; and many more.

Oscar Niemeyer is considered Brazil's greatest 20th century architect, because of his prolific and distinctive work.

Sources

Biography of Oscar Niemeyer - http://architect.architecture.sk
/oscar-niemeyer-architect/oscar-niemeyer-architect.php

Modernist Movement; Oscar Niemeyer - http://www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles
/artecult/arqurb/arquitet/mmodern/oscarn/index.htm

Oscar Niemeyer biography - http://www.oscarniemeyer.de/

From Oscar Niemeyer back to Brasilia Brazil Guide

Cultural Sights of Brasilia
The cultural sights of Brasilia are what draw the tourists to this great city. With its unique art, architecture and history, the cultural sights of Brasilia are truly unique.