The Curves of Time: The Memoirs of Oscar Niemeyer

by Oscar Neimeyer

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"Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, born in 1907, is one of the architectural masters of the twentieth century and a pioneer of modernism. Known primarily for his collaboration with Le Corbusier and his projects for Pampulha and the visionary Brazilian capital, Brasilia, Niemeyer has designed hundreds of remarkable buildings and master plans during his six-decade career. His experimentation with reinforced concrete produced curved, organic forms that marked an innovative departure from the show more rectilinear austerity of European modernism. Niemeyer was named an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects in 1963, and he was awarded the Pritzker Prize for Architecture in 1988 and the RIBA Gold Medal in 1998 in honor of his outstanding contributions to architecture." "In this autobiography, Niemeyer reveals that philosophy, politics, and his many passions - including his large family, many friends, the sensuous land and open skies of Brazil, the female body, art and literature - have formed the key to his architecture and to his vibrant life. This volume includes notes identifying the people and places cited in the narrative, a chronology of Niemeyer's career, a selection of archival photographs, and forty sketches created by Niemeyer especially for this book."--Jacket. show less

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An unceremonious autobiography that aims to capture the enthusiasm for life, the Brazilian landscape, many loves and friendships of master architect Oscar Neimeyer. More than a chronological documentation of his life, it reads as an emotional reflection of the social and political influences that shaped his thoughts and his works. Reissued on the centenary of his birth, it paints a personal and moreover a historical glimpse of his contribution to modern architecture. The informality of the book aside - original sketches by the architect adorn the pages, seeking to illustrate and exclaim where the story or perhaps his memory falls short.

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Classifications

Genres
Art & Design, Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir
DDC/MDS
720.92Arts & recreationArchitectureArchitectureHistory, geographic treatment, biographyBiography
LCC
NA859 .N5 .A2Fine Arts2599.5-2599.9 Architectural criticismArchitectureHistory
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75
Popularity
421,822
Reviews
1
Rating
½ (3.71)
Languages
Catalan, English, Portuguese
Media
Paper
ISBNs
6