Life is more important than architecture.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
There is no reason to design buildings that are more basic and rectilinear, because with concrete you can cover almost any space.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Oscar Niemeyer advocates for architectural creativity using concrete.
In this quote, Oscar Niemeyer emphasizes the limitless possibilities of concrete in architectural design. He suggests that there is no need to conform to simplistic and rigid structures when concrete allows for innovative and fluid forms, encouraging architects to explore creative boundaries in their designs.
Themes
ArchitectureCreativityDesignConcreteInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about modern architecture, one could use this quote to illustrate the potential of concrete in design.
More from Oscar Niemeyer
All quotes βI deliberately disregarded the right angle and rationalist architecture designed with ruler and square to boldly enter the world of curves and straight lines offered by reinforced concrete... This deliberate protest arose from the environment in which I lived, with its white beaches, its huge mountains, its old baroque churches, and the beautiful suntanned women.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
We need to feel that life is important; we need that fantasy so we can live a little better.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
Here, then, is what I wanted to tell you of my architecture. I created it with courage and idealism, but also with an awareness of the fact that what is important is life, friends and attempting to make this unjust world a better place in which to live.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
When you have a large space to conquer, the curve is the natural solution.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
I was attracted by the curve β the liberated, sensual curve suggested by the possibilities of new technology yet so often recalled in venerable old baroque churches.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
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