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The Curves of Time: The Memoirs of Oscar Niemeyer
Oscar Niemeyer (b.1907) is the last of the great, decisive, form-giving modern architects of the twentieth century. In this informal, fluid autobiography, he reveals how philosophy, politics and his many passions – including his large family, many friends, the sensuous land and open skies of Brazil, the female body, art and literature – have formed the key to his architecture and his vibrant life. This first English edition of the iconic architect's memoirs is now available in paperback to mark his 100th birthday.
192 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2007
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About the author
Oscar Niemeyer
46 books10 followersBorn in Rio in 1907, Niemeyer led a bohemian life until early adulthood, having said that, when he was young, "it looked like we were alive just to have fun". After working with his father in his typography for a while, he joined the National School of Fine Arts in 29, graduating as an engineer architect in 34. At the time, though he had financial difficulties, he began working without payment in Lúcio Costa's studio, hoping he could find a career there in making better architecture than what he saw on the streets. Their partnership would last for many decades.
In the 30s, after their first modernist skyscraper and the strong contact with Le Corbusier, they started developing brazilian modernism both in Brazil and abroad, leading to a long a succesful career that continues today.
In the 30s, after their first modernist skyscraper and the strong contact with Le Corbusier, they started developing brazilian modernism both in Brazil and abroad, leading to a long a succesful career that continues today.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 1, 2013
This is the rambling autobiography of one modern architecture's most famous men. If you're looking for profound insights into his work, this book may not be of much help. But if you're looking for general insights into his life and times, then by all means pick this up. Niemeyer is a charming, joyful author.
May 13, 2024
All-time great memoir intro from Oscar Niemeyer: "On re-reading this book, I feel that it uncovers two distinct personas. One looks on the bright side of life and sees the fun part of it that has always attracted me. The other has a pessimistic view of life and society in general, and is angered by the injustices of this world.
Both personas were profoundly influenced by architecture as an inner calling, heeded so passionately that it has engaged them both for an entire lifetime. This explains the alternating instances of euphoria and unease that have permeated my mediocre life. It was in relation to my friendships that these mood swings were most intense and heartfelt.
I have always cherished my friends and nurtured our friendships. I took great pleasure from taking them along visits to the Old World. What a joy it was to see some of them enjoying things they had never imagined possible!
Then there was my family...I have always loved them so! Whenever I thought of them, from afar, I felt so moved, and when I was near them, oh how I loved them! For them, I did my best and gave my all.
That is the way I have lived my life.
I have never been one to look back and regret mistakes. I am a child of Nature, a tiny and insignificant part of her, and in her lies the credit or the blame - partly, at any rate - for both my qualities and my faults. This is the way she made me."
Places I want to visit that I learned about in book: Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Santa Catarina (bad influence during WW2). Copacabana Palace Hotel, Pampulha.
People he read that I would like to: Socrates, Plato, Diogo do Couto, Fernao Lopes, Camus, Andre Malraux, Freud, Kafka, Dostoyevsky, Gide, Chekhov, Henry Miller, Proust, Tolstoy, Gorky, Sartre. La Corbusier was his contemporary architect. Juscelino Kubitschek was first president.
Good quotes: "I did not allow myself to criticize or assume radical positions (when reading)."
"What bothers me is not life's few rough edges, but the tremendous suffering of the destitute confronted with the indifferent smiles of the well-to-do."(146)
"I recall that despite my constant pessimism, I have always shared fellowship with my companions." (150)
"I had assumed personal and family commitments in times of plenty, but our expenses multiplied rapidly, and what I had been warned of came to pass." (151)
"The rich should be reminded that fellowship is one of the few things that gives meaning to our wretched lives, that money is no guide to a person's worth, that we are all equally fragile and insignificant - rich and poor alike - when confronting this unjust world. Sharing is the most beautiful word there is, and to keep this precept close to one's heart is what God would want us to do, if He existed." (161)
Other things I learned: "US Imperialist Policy informed reactionary dictatorship: (84)
- Joie de vivre means lust for life
- demitasse means small cup of coffee
Both personas were profoundly influenced by architecture as an inner calling, heeded so passionately that it has engaged them both for an entire lifetime. This explains the alternating instances of euphoria and unease that have permeated my mediocre life. It was in relation to my friendships that these mood swings were most intense and heartfelt.
I have always cherished my friends and nurtured our friendships. I took great pleasure from taking them along visits to the Old World. What a joy it was to see some of them enjoying things they had never imagined possible!
Then there was my family...I have always loved them so! Whenever I thought of them, from afar, I felt so moved, and when I was near them, oh how I loved them! For them, I did my best and gave my all.
That is the way I have lived my life.
I have never been one to look back and regret mistakes. I am a child of Nature, a tiny and insignificant part of her, and in her lies the credit or the blame - partly, at any rate - for both my qualities and my faults. This is the way she made me."
Places I want to visit that I learned about in book: Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Santa Catarina (bad influence during WW2). Copacabana Palace Hotel, Pampulha.
People he read that I would like to: Socrates, Plato, Diogo do Couto, Fernao Lopes, Camus, Andre Malraux, Freud, Kafka, Dostoyevsky, Gide, Chekhov, Henry Miller, Proust, Tolstoy, Gorky, Sartre. La Corbusier was his contemporary architect. Juscelino Kubitschek was first president.
Good quotes: "I did not allow myself to criticize or assume radical positions (when reading)."
"What bothers me is not life's few rough edges, but the tremendous suffering of the destitute confronted with the indifferent smiles of the well-to-do."(146)
"I recall that despite my constant pessimism, I have always shared fellowship with my companions." (150)
"I had assumed personal and family commitments in times of plenty, but our expenses multiplied rapidly, and what I had been warned of came to pass." (151)
"The rich should be reminded that fellowship is one of the few things that gives meaning to our wretched lives, that money is no guide to a person's worth, that we are all equally fragile and insignificant - rich and poor alike - when confronting this unjust world. Sharing is the most beautiful word there is, and to keep this precept close to one's heart is what God would want us to do, if He existed." (161)
Other things I learned: "US Imperialist Policy informed reactionary dictatorship: (84)
- Joie de vivre means lust for life
- demitasse means small cup of coffee
December 24, 2018
Niemeyer was such a generous and humble man. I respected him as a humanitarian as much as an architect after reading this.
June 20, 2020
Simples como as leves colunas do Alvorada. Um mestre da humildade.
July 12, 2021
O que faz um s er humano ser especial como ele?!
December 28, 2023
Not much about the architecture, but a few moments of insight from Niemeyer over his long career. If you like name dropping, though, dig in!
Currently reading
June 10, 2024Hes Glazing Himself and Others I don't Fw his narrative Voice Obv World historical Architect But I Kant Finish This
August 16, 2020
The autobiography of my favorite architects basically tells us nothing interesting about his architecture. Apart from brief snippets of his relationships with Le Corb, and some passages in the beginning and end about what he finds beautiful and a tiny bit of architectural insight. Most of the consists of him talking about his friends, including a lively youth, and his respect for his personal relationships above all. His personal life was interesting enough, and his relationship with Kubitschek was explored in relation to Brasilia in an interesting way, but wish there was more about his wonderful architecture.
June 18, 2015
The book gives us a glimps at the life of the great architect Oscar Niemeyer, its a non linear book, ponctuated with histories and memoirs of the great minded architect.
The book not only approaches the works as a architect, but his whole life, since his childhood with his grandparent political friends, his early carrer, travels, conversations and memories.
It is a great book about the Life of the greatest brazilian architect.
The book not only approaches the works as a architect, but his whole life, since his childhood with his grandparent political friends, his early carrer, travels, conversations and memories.
It is a great book about the Life of the greatest brazilian architect.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews