summary of the day: Record of an experience by Lucio Costa

Discover the story behind the relaunch of Lúcio Costa's autobiography by Editora 34

Editora 34 recently announced the relaunch of Lúcio Costa's autobiography, “Registro de uma experience”, a work that documents the life and work of the most influential architect of Brazilian modernism. In this article, we will explore the story behind the relaunch of this important work and examine the life of Lúcio Costa and his contributions to Brazilian architecture.

Who was Lúcio Costa?

Lúcio Costa was a Brazilian architect born in Toulon, France, on February 27, 1902, and died on June 13, 1998, in Rio de Janeiro. He was the son of Joaquim Ribeiro da Costa, an admiral.

Among his most important contributions to architecture In Brazil, highlights include the Pilot Plan project for Brasília, at the time the new capital of Brazil, and the coordination of the construction of the Ministry of Education and Health building in Rio de Janeiro, both projects developed in partnership with architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Lucio Costa is widely considered to be one of the most important architects in Brazilian history, having played a fundamental role in the development of Brazilian modernism.

Relaunch of “Record of an experience”

“Record of an experience” was originally published in 1979, but this new edition by Editora 34 includes an unprecedented preface written by architect Guilherme Wisnik, as well as a series of photographs and illustrations. However, it maintains the original graphic design. The work is a collection of Lúcio Costa's writings, including diaries, memories, poems and essays on his modernist ideas, which document his personal and professional life.

This relaunch is an opportunity for architects, students and architecture enthusiasts to learn more about the life and work of Lúcio Costa, as well as discover more about how important modern architecture is in Brazil.

O book is written by Lucio Costa, with an interview by Mario César Carvalho, editing by Milton Ohata, presentation by Maria Elisa Costa and afterword by Sophia da Silva Telles.

Lúcio Costa's legacy

Lúcio Costa's legacy in Brazilian architecture is undeniable. He was an advocate of modernism in the country, promoting a functionalist approach to architecture that valued the integration of form and function. His work in Brasília, which won the competition, is, in particular, considered one of the greatest achievements of modern Brazilian architecture. However, there are many other important modern works by him.

Furthermore, Lúcio Costa was instrumental in founding the National School of Fine Arts, where he taught for many years, helping to shape a new generation of Brazilian architects and change the curriculum of the architecture course at the time.

Conclusion

In short, the relaunch of “Record of a Experience” is an excellent opportunity to explore the life and work of one of the most important architects in Brazil. The work documents the architect's personal and professional history and shows Lucio Costa's opinions on various subjects, offering a unique insight into the development of modern architecture in the country. If you are an architecture student, an architect or an architecture enthusiast, this is a work that you should not miss reading.

Book summary

“Record of an Experience” is an autobiographical work by the prominent Brazilian architect and urban planner, Lúcio Costa, published posthumously in 1995. The book is composed of a series of essays, reminiscences and reflections about the author’s life and work, considered one of the main references in the context of modern architecture in Brazil.

Throughout the work, Lúcio Costa exposes his professional career and more intimate aspects of his existence, such as his memories of childhood and adolescence, his coexistence with artists and intellectuals of the time and his impressions of Brazilian society. The author reports on his experiences and the difficulties he faced along his journey, such as the criticism received for his avant-garde vision of architecture and urbanism.

In his work, Lúcio Costa defends the importance of integration between the arts and the need to seek innovative and efficient solutions to urban dilemmas. The author argues that architecture should not be seen just as a technical activity, but as a cultural and social expression that should help improve people's quality of life.

“Records of an Experience” presents itself as essential reading for those who wish to understand the trajectory and legacy of Lúcio Costa, one of the main architects and urban planners in Brazil. The book is a valuable source of information and reflections on modern architecture in the country and on the urban problems that Brazilian society still faces.

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What texts are included in Record of an Experience?

The texts by Lucio Costa that are in the book Registro de uma experience are, in order: