Niemeyer building, Residential building in Praça da Liberdade, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
The Niemeyer building is a 12-story residential structure at Praça da Liberdade with curved forms and horizontal concrete bands running across its facade. Inside are 22 apartments arranged within this distinctly shaped envelope.
Construction took place between 1954 and 1960, replacing the Dolabela Palace that once stood at this intersection. This replacement marked the city's shift from a palace-centered landscape to a modern urban form.
The building marks a turning point when Brazil developed its own modern architectural voice rather than copying European styles. You can see how the curved forms and concrete elements create a distinct look that stands apart from the older structures surrounding it.
The building sits at the corner of Praça da Liberdade and Avenida Brasil, making it easy to spot when exploring this main square. Residents funded major renovations from 2017 to 2018, so you will see it in good condition today.
The design draws inspiration from the mountain ridges that surround Belo Horizonte, translating these natural shapes into concrete. This intentional connection to the landscape sets it apart from many other modern structures of that era.
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