The modernist architecture of Curitiba: a look into the future

Welcome again, readers!

The modernist architecture of Curitiba is the issue at hand today. Similarly to the other styles spread throughout the city, modernism was adopted by its buildings as a way to place themselves in the present and to envision a bright future.

The rise of engineering and construction technology, added to the abandonment of classical motifs by architects, has brought a worldwide revolution, that would naturally apply to Curitiba. For that reason, many iconic landmarks built from the early 1950s until current days have embodied the modern methods. Thereby, feel free to learn more about examples of this piece of history now. 

Oscar Niemeyer Museum, or Eye Museum

Officially known as the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, or popularly as the Eye Museum, the public interest building is located in Curitiba and was designed by the architect of same name. Reflecting the freedom of forms and the unconfined use of colors, the museum is as contemporaneous as the pieces of art it presents. It was open in its current aspect in 2002, occupying a space used before by government departments. 

The museum's most famous symbol, an eye-shaped tower, is an impressive feat of both national architecture and engineering. Idealized by Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil's most famous and well-regarded creator, it symbolizes equally the constant modernization of Curitiba and a link to the rest of the country, which is permeated by constructions of the same style. From the capital, Brasília, to other famous cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, it is possible to acknowledge the characteristic traits of this kind of architecture, that praises the country's culture and social formation. 

Guaíra Theater 

The Guaíra Theater is located in the center of Curitiba, in the famous Santos Andrade Square. It is a characteristically modernist building, whose most iconic traits are seen in its curvilinear aspect and the abstract mural in concrete, produced by the local artist Poty Lazzarotto. It currently works as a cultural space, where theater and dance presentations are provided to the city. 

In front of the Historical Building of the Federal University, already mentioned in the blog, the contrast between the modernity of the Theater and the grandiosity of the University is very interesting, specially when considering the fact that they are both in the central part of Curitiba. Furthermore, the open spaces and the versatility of its interior clearly demonstrate the modernist intentions of the architect.