Life is more important than architecture.
Oscar NiemeyerRead
It is not the right angle that attracts me, nor the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man. What attracts me is the free and sensual curve - the curve that I find in the mountains of my country, in the sinuous course of its rivers, in the body of the beloved woman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a preference for natural beauty and fluidity over rigid forms created by humans.
Oscar Niemeyer's quote highlights his admiration for curves and organic shapes found in nature, suggesting that these elements evoke a sense of freedom and sensuality. He contrasts the unyielding lines that man produces with the softer, more captivating forms present in the landscape and human body, emphasizing a deep appreciation for the aesthetics of nature and love.
Themes
CurvesNatureBeautyArtFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
An architect might use this quote to emphasize the importance of organic shapes in design.
More from Oscar Niemeyer
All quotes →I 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 — 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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