Lecture on Brasilia

Introduction

• Brasilia is one of the most ambitious city building projects ever.
• Unique sense of space and colossal skies.
• Built in the center of Brazil to promote development.

Historical Background

• Concept of an inland capital since the late Portuguese colonial period.
• 1891 Constitution mentioned a new capital in the middle of Brazil.
• Modern founding began in 1955 with Juscelino Kubitschek's campaign promise.
• Kubitschek became president in 1956 and initiated the project.

Competition and Design

• 1956 competition with 26 architectural firms from around the world.
• Lucio Costa, a Brazilian planner and architect, submitted an informal entry.
• Costa's design won, supported by Oscar Niemeyer for monumental buildings.
• City construction began and was completed in 4 years, inaugurated on April 21, 1960.

Design Philosophy

• Costa's design emphasized historical and symbolic elements for a lasting capital.
• The city plan has forms representing an airplane, bird, or cross.
• Central area features a great symmetrical boulevard and government buildings.
• The city center includes the Square of the Three Powers.
• Iconic buildings like the Cathedral, resembling a crown of thorns.

Residential Areas

• Residential areas known as superblocks or superquadras.
• Low-rise buildings with a maximum of six stories.
• Designed to foster a more egalitarian lifestyle, though not fully realized.
• Superblocks feature facilities such as cafes and green spaces.

Modern Brasilia

• Now a sprawling metropolis with economic success in the center.
• Pilot Plan preserved by UNESCO as a utopia.
• Divisions between the wealthy center and poor periphery remain.

Oscar Niemeyer

• Key architect involved from the start, known for bold designs with concrete.
• Influenced by European trends and added a sense of sculpture.
• Compared to surrealist works similar to Joan Miro.
• Designed buildings to shock and surprise, focusing on form over function.
• Criticized for functional issues, e.g., excessive glazing causing heat issues.
• Niemeyer aimed to create an otherworldly experience for viewers.

Conclusion

• Brasilia is a unique project blending ambitious urban planning with artistic architectural design.
• Despite its shortcomings, it remains an iconic example of modernist planning and design.