Paulo Mendes da Rocha
Brazilian architect (1928–2021) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paulo Mendes da Rocha (October 25, 1928 – May 23, 2021) was a Brazilian architect.
Paulo Mendes da Rocha | |
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![]() Mendes da Rocha in 2009 | |
Born | (1928-10-25)October 25, 1928 Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil |
Died | May 23, 2021(2021-05-23) (aged 92) São Paulo, Brazil |
Alma mater | Mackenzie Presbyterian University |
Occupation | Architect |
Awards | Pritzker Architecture Prize (2006) |
Buildings | Serra Dourada Stadium, Gymnasium in the Paulistano Athletics Club, Pinacoteca do Estado, National Coach Museum |
Mendes da Rocha attended the Mackenzie Presbyterian University College of Architecture, graduating in 1954.[1] Working almost exclusively in Brazil, Mendes da Rocha began designing buildings in 1957, many of them built in concrete, a method some[who?] call "Brazilian Brutalism", arguably allowing buildings to be constructed cheaply and quickly. He contributed many notable cultural buildings to São Paulo and is widely credited with having enhanced and revitalized the city.[2]
Mendes da Rocha was a professor at the Architecture College of University of São Paulo, known as FAU-USP, until 1998. His work was influenced by Brazilian architect Vilanova Artigas, from the paulist Brazilian School. He was honored with the Mies van der Rohe Prize (2000), the Pritzker Prize (2006), and the Venice Biennale Golden Lion for lifetime achievement (2016).[3]
Mendes da Rocha died on May 23, 2021, in São Paulo at the age of 92.[4][5][6][7]