Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Oscar Niemeyer Threw Life a Curve or Two

The Brazilian architect, famed for his spiraling designs, turns 100

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2007 6:17 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Oscar Niemeyer turned 100 this weekend, but the famed Brazilian architect is still planning for the best years of his life: he’s still developing bold designs—including a museum that resembles a giant eye—starting a magazine, and he recently remarried. Niemeyer, who soared to fame in 1956 after dressing Brazil’s capital in exalted curves, has also kept his communist ethic, Der Spiegel says.

He’s friends with Castro and raises a toast “against Bush.” About death, the atheistic artist reasoned, “We have no choice. We are born, we grow up, we fight, we die, and we disappear forever.” But such an outlook hasn’t stopped him from enjoying life: “I do the same things I did when I was 60, so I’m only 60.”

A giant number 100 hangs on the Copan building, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, in Sao Paulo, Friday, Nov. 30 2007. Neimeyer, who turns 100 Saturday, was awarded the Cultural Merit Medal by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Friday. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A giant number 100 hangs on the Copan building, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, in Sao Paulo, Friday, Nov. 30 2007. Neimeyer, who turns 100 Saturday, was awarded the Cultural Merit Medal...   (Associated Press)
Brazil's architect Oscar Niemeyer attends an event in commemoration of his 100th birthday in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007. Niemeyer was born on Dec. 15, 1907. (AP Photo/ Ricardo Moraes )
Brazil's architect Oscar Niemeyer attends an event in commemoration of his 100th birthday in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007. Niemeyer was born on Dec. 15, 1907. (AP Photo/ Ricardo Moraes )   (Associated Press)
The National Congress building, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, is seen in Brasilia, Brazil in this May 7, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres/FILE)
The National Congress building, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, is seen in Brasilia, Brazil in this May 7, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres/FILE)   (Associated Press)
Oscar Niemeyer poses during an interview at his office in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in this 2002 file photo. Niemeyer works every day at his Copacabana beach office on a desk full of projects and remains faithful to the curves that are the hallmark of his work. (AP Photo/Andre...
Oscar Niemeyer poses during an interview at his office in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in this 2002 file photo. Niemeyer works every day at his Copacabana beach office on a desk full of projects...   (Associated Press)
Brazil's architect Oscar Niemeyer holds a glass of champagne as his wife Vera reacts after he was honored by France's ambassador to Brazil Antoine Pouilliete, unseen, in commemoration of his 100th birthday in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007. Niemeyer was born on Dec. 15, 1907. (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)
Brazil's architect Oscar Niemeyer holds a glass of champagne as his wife Vera reacts after he was honored by France's ambassador to Brazil Antoine Pouilliete, unseen, in commemoration of his 100th birthday...   (Associated Press)
Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer gestures during an interview with the Associated Press in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sept. 24, 2007. Niemeyer works every day at his Copacabana beach office on a desk full of projects and remains faithful to the curves that are the hallmark of his work. (AP Photo/Silvia...
Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer gestures during an interview with the Associated Press in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sept. 24, 2007. Niemeyer works every day at his Copacabana beach office on a desk full...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Niemeyer's work now considered "retro-future"
Associated Press

In pictures: the work of Oscar Niemeyer
BBC

 
architecture • Fidel Castro • Brazil • revolution • Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva • Communism • Oscar Niemeyer

More Newser Stories

Brazil Prez: Fidel 'Healthy, Lucid'

Brazil's First Female President Sworn In

Brazil Elects First Woman President

Meet World's Next Most Powerful Woman

Brazil Offers Asylum to Iranian Mom Facing Stoning
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne