Between the 18th and 19th Century Brazilian architecture witnessed the influence of more European styles such as Neoclassical and Baroque architecture. With the country celebrating more than 195 years of independence, here are a few fascinating facts about Brasília Brazil. 

1. The Copan building | Brasília Brazil

The Copan building is the nearly 140-meter-tall building that stands amidst the buzzing Sao Paulo, brazil. With it being a building that began its construction in the year 1957. It is still today one of the largest buildings in brazil; years after. The building consists of a gigantic number of 1,160 apartments and about 5000 residents in itself. With 100 employees working to serve the condominium. This building marks as one of the few modern buildings in brazil. 

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©National Geographic Pandemic in Brazil photos
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©National Geographic Pandemic in Brazil photos
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©National Geographic Pandemic in Brazil photos

2. Ibirapuera park auditorium

This building was majorly constructed to present the music spectacles of the famous Sao Paulo people. Situated in the ibirapuera park; it stands out from the rest with its volumetric simplicity and modernism. The geometrics of this structure are very simple and are composed of a single block form. Which can be seen in the form of a trapezoid and section in the form of a triangle. These colors and the aesthetic sensitivity both inside and outside the structure is stunning. The marquee in the central entry of the building marks the emphasis of the whole building. Stunning, different, and yet simple structure has marked the beginning of a new modern era in brazil. 

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3. Pampulha Architectural complex 

This building was the center of the garden city project that was formed in the year 1940. These buildings weren’t just created with the architect Oscar Niemeyer. But also with the collaboration with the innovative artists. This is why these buildings aren’t just a representation of architecture but have merged itself along with the sculpture, painting, and landscape design. The interdisciplinary approach towards their creation was one of the most phenomenal changes towards building design in brazil. 

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Pampulha Modern Ensemble: View of the nave from the altar
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©UNESCO World heritage site
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©UNESCO World heritage site

4. Palácio do Planalto

With this being the first building in the new capital; it was inaugurated on April 20, 1960. This structure showcases the purity of the lines with the horizontal lines bringing a transparent but stable effect amongst the onlookers. Something the architect Oscar Meyer has explained in the most simple words ‘Light as feathers resting on the floor’. 

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5. Cathedral of Brasília | Brasília Brazil

It is a roman catholic cathedral serving the brazil. It is a hyperboloid structure constructed with 16 concrete columns weighing about 90 tons each. The four bronze sculptures represent the four evangelists created in the year 1968. The 12 m wide and 40-centimeter pool in the surrounding reflects the structure beautifully as it also serves the purpose of cooling the space. The entrance has been kept in such a way that the visitors enter through a dark entrance and then are led to the light. This structure not only represents the ideals of the brazil people. But also represents it subtly. 

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6. Claudio Santoro National Theatre

Built-in the shape of a truncated pyramid it is one of the largest buildings in brazil. Specially designed by Oscar Meyer. It has an external half of the building’s buried structure with another basement which is about the size of a 15 story building. The façade of the structure has been decorated by the artist Athos Bulaco’s work. This is one of the unusual buildings situated in brazil. 

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7. National Museum of Republic 

The national museum marks as one of the most unusual geometric structures which have been executed in proper harmony. The water body near the structure perfectly reflects this modernist structure. With the main emphasis being on the pathway that leads into this sci-fi movie structure as it helps the visitors get a full experience of the space. This structure not just changed the imagibility towards museums but also towards modern architecture itself. 

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8. Niteroi Contemporary Art museum

Completed in the year 1996. This structure was created while being in coherence with the surrounding natural environment. Adhering to which the building was shaped into this natural curvy flowing form. It not only made the structure look elegant, curvy, and light. But also made it rise from the ground and spread like a structure. 

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9. Oscar Niemeyer Art museum

The main emphasis was on the visual arts, architecture, and design. The importance of this structure was much of a challenge. As the structure was built to be magnificent, beauty and an important collection of these diverse disciplines. The bold geometric forms, sinuous ramps, and the large white painted concrete areas are some of the most modernist designs that it holds. This human eye gave this museum a different identity. That is always needed. 

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©Photorator
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10. National congress of brazil | Brasília Brazil

This structure that has one of the subtle yet striking features of modern architecture marks it as one of the most beautiful and powerful buildings of Brazilian architecture. The national congress building has been raised into the subtle use of geometric lines that comprise the majority of the vertical lines and curved structures. Despite being quite different from their original form are existing incoherence. The water body next to it is a mirror to this structure which is Brazil’s most important and prominent structure. These structures not only make and change the Brazilian outlook towards modern architecture. But has also mixed itself in the most homogeneous ways possible. 

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Author

Renuka is an artist, architect, and writer. With a keen interest in psychology; she is passionate about 'User-centric and need-based designs'. As an empath herself she finds writing as a way to empower and voice people. While aiming to make this world a better place as a designer.