2004, architecture

Oscar Niemeyer was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1907. Niemeyer worked with Le Corbusier on the United Nations Headquaters in New York, and in 1957 was appointed to implement Lucio Costa's plans for Brazil's new capital, designing most of the city's important buildings. Niemeyer is recognized as one of the first to pioneer new concepts in architecture. He developed a fluid, sculptural style, using reinforced concrete to create dramatic structures that reflect the natural, flowing curves of Rio de Janerio’s mountains, beaches and bay. Like his mentors, Lucio Costa and Le Corbusier, he was a Modernist, but his pursuit of great architecture linked to the roots of his native land resulted in new forms and a lyricism in buildings, not only for Brazil, but for the world. Niemeyer, now 96 years old, continues to work in his office. His most recent project, Oscar Niemeyer Museum in Curitaba, Brazil, opened to the public in late 2002.

	© The Sankei Shimbun 2004
	At his office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil © The Sankei Shimbun 2004