Design Philosophy: Oscar Niemeyer aimed for a free-flowing design that embraced the land’s natural contours, allowing for transparency and integration with the surrounding vegetation.
Niemeyer revolutionized architecture with his innovative use of concrete to craft these curved designs.
The buildings stand out for their open, airy designs that blend solid structures with open spaces to form unique patterns, often supported by slender columns called piloti.
Oscar Niemeyer’s “The Five Points”
1. Construction on pillars with an open plan, providing layout flexibility.
2. Free floor plan, allowing complete freedom in the arrangement of interior spaces.
3. Dynamic facade, with the roof structure extending beyond the building’s boundaries, creating bold overhangs.
4. Organic design, adapting to the terrain and harmoniously blending with nature.
5. Large sliding glass doors, opening fully to maximize space and natural lighting.
These principles showcase Niemeyer’s innovative approach to architecture, emphasizing form freedom and integration with nature.
Casa das Canoas, designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1951, Is a landmark of modern Brazilian architecture.
Location Situated in Barra de Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, the house sits on a hillside, offering stunning views of the bay.
A pre-existing stone anchors the staircase on one side and the pool on the other. Above, the wall supports the roof, creating a striking contrast with the rock’s ruggedness.
The house’s design flows around the rock, which acts as a balancing element. Without it, the house would lose its grounding.
The residence layout consists of two levels: private quarters below and communal spaces above, all adorned with Niemeyer’s signature curves, creating a cozy and familiar ambiance.
Casa das Canoas it’s a special design that seeks to harmonize with nature, a theme often seen in Niemeyer’s work, waiting to be discovered.
