National Congress of Brazil
Oscar Niemeyer · Brasília, Brazil · 1960
The National Congress of Brazil, completed in 1960, is a prominent example of modernist architecture and a key component of Brasília's planned governmental core. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, its striking composition features two contrasting geometric forms atop a large horizontal platform: an inverted dome housing the Senate and a regular dome for the Chamber of Deputies. This iconic arrangement symbolizes legislative branches and contributes to the city's futuristic aesthetic. The building's stark white concrete and minimalist lines reflect the era's ambition for a new capital city. Its monumental scale and open plaza integrate it into the broader urban plan, conceived by Lúcio Costa. The Congress stands as a significant monument to Brazilian modernism and a testament to the bold architectural vision of Brasília.