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Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1907, Oscar Niemeyer is recognized as one of the world's most fiercely original architects and the central figure of Brazilian architectural Modernism. The prolific designer of more than 600 buildings, Niemeyer has been in practice for seven decades. Architecture, he declares must be "functional, beautiful, and shocking." Transgressing orthodox Modernist aesthetic doctrine and subverting hegemonic cultural models, his work privileged invention and affirmed spectacle and luxury, pleasure, beauty, and sensuality as legitimate architectural pursuits.

This gorgeously illustrated book explores the development of Niemeyer's extraordinary body of ideas and forms as well as his role in the construction of Brazil's modern image and cultural tradition. Through a detailed discussion of his intoxicating experiments in reinforced concrete, the book offers the opportunity to relish the stream of pleasures afforded by Niemeyer's important buildings, including his mid-century projects as chief architect for the new capital of Brasília, and the spectacular Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art, completed in 1996. Providing the first comprehensive analysis of Niemeyer's radical work and dissident perspective, Oscar Niemeyer: Curves of Irreverence sheds new light on the route the architect has followed as well as on Brazilian Modernism as a non-conformist project informed by a nationalist and anti-colonialist stance.

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CHOICE Review

The title rather belies the deep, comprehensive scholarship in this monograph that celebrates the centenary of its subject, Oscar Niemeyer--undoubtedly among the most talented and productive architects of the transoceanic modern movement. Architect and architectural historian Philippou examines Niemeyer's functional yet sensual, monumental yet experimental work with critical acuity and appreciative candor, especially with respect to the utopian vision but more problematic reality of Brasilia. Philippou successfully analyzes both the aesthetic and formal components of Niemeyer's design, and has thereby written what will be a standard source. Her richly illustrated book represents a notable addition to the literature, extending the writings of Norma Evenson (Two Brazilian Capitals: Architecture and Urbanism in Rio de Janiero and Brasilia, CH, Dec'73) and David Underwood (Oscar Niemeyer and Brazilian Free-form Modernism, 1994). The readable text includes brief but useful footnotes and is reinforced by an excellent bibliography and index. This exemplary publication (despite the unfortunate choice of lighter ink for the captions) will fascinate scholars and professionals while proving of great interest to general readers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through professionals/practitioners; general readers. R. W. Liscombe University of British Columbia

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Styliane Philippou is an architect and independent scholar based in London.