Building Brasília: A Modernist Utopia | HENI Talks

Today, HENI Talks is presented by Professor Richard J. Williams.

1955. Brazil. A man – Juscelino Kubitschek – campaigning to be president made a promise to the people to construct an entirely new capital city from scratch, a pledge to create a modern heart for the burgeoning country. Kubitschek won; he was elected president and so commenced one of the most ambitious single building projects ever. The city of Brasília was fashioned in just 4 years.

City planner Lùcio Costa’s graphic design for an ideal city was combined with architect Oscar Niemeyer’s artistic prowess and provocative use of concrete. Niemeyer was notorious for creating pure, sculptural and sometimes shocking buildings. But were these seemingly otherworldly structures practical? And what is their legacy today? Join Professor Richard J. Williams in this HENI Talk to uncover the story of this modernist 'utopia'.

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#Architecture #Brasilia #HENITalks

[michelangelus]

Luckily I was born in Brasília. I had to move of Brazil but every time I can, I go happy to visit the family and this wonderful city that I never get tired 🖤

[KikeCazalez]

I love how respectful he is when discribing this city. I've seen some other "specialists" being rude and offensive as if it was an inhabited place. There are so many people who love and make BsB great!

[silvasilvasilva]

Great talk! He's right about the residential blocks, they are green and bucolic in contrast to the more "civic" areas of the city. A place like no other.

[otavioviegas]

Brasil became independent in 1822. But the idea of a capital in the interior of the country was old as the first independence movements of 1760 to 1790.

[felixdatche]

The first positive take on Brasilia...most others complain about the car centric design...

[adamblair]

Wonderful visuals with interesting details. However, the depth of disdain the speaker has for the individuals involved is distracting. He tries to be impartial, but wow! It’s as if he’s created something much better and is trying to get through this discussion without becoming associated with the location. You’re not from 1950’s Brazil. We get it. Now let’s get on with how awesome the visuals are!! A breathtaking city design that has me ( from Californian) saying, “Damn, I need to visit Brazil!”.

[willonweb]

Un petit reportage très très intéressant. Merci !

[uriadelavaro]

If there is one place I want to visit in South America, it's Brasília. It has the most beautiful stadium in the world.

[rlrose]

Beautiful city. Doesn't appear to be pedestrian friendly which is really unfortunate.

[joshuaamitai]

It is the recreation of "tel el amarna " unique in the world ;

[rlrose]

Does any one know the name of the music track that opens this video? Catchy!

[rlrose]

Just read the comment re: not being bossa Nova. I liked the track and would appreciate the artists name. Thank you.

[phucle]

But its fortunate to be both philosopher and architects, the mind just functions electro like the universe, the brain is truly coherent through time

[joetanw]

whos here because of global societies lmao

[empicek]

It’s a city that showcases the hideousness of late 1950’s modern architecture. 🤢🤮

[pelgervampireduck]

the concept is dystopian, the style is ugly, it looks depressing.