Paulo Mendes da Rocha belongs to the record of technology as a figure whose work outlasted the moment that produced it.
The record lists Paulo Mendes da Rocha as Brazilian architect (1928–2021).
Paulo Mendes da Rocha was born at Vitória in 1928. His recorded nationality is Brazil. He was educated at Mackenzie Presbyterian University.
The twentieth century made work collective, expensive and political, with consequences that reached well beyond the people doing it.
He worked as architect, painter and restorer.
His affiliations include University of São Paulo and Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the University of São Paulo.
His name is attached above all to having enhanced and revitalized the city. Technology is judged by adoption: an invention nobody uses is a curiosity.
The surviving body of work includes Estádio Serra Dourada.
Recognition followed: Pritzker Architecture Prize (2006).
That the work was done from Brazil matters. Opportunity has never been evenly distributed, and where a person is based shapes which doors open and whose work gets seen.
Paulo Mendes da Rocha died in 2021, aged 93. What survives is the work, which is the only durable form of a reputation.
Achievements
- Pritzker Architecture Prize — 2006
- Notable work: Estádio Serra Dourada
- Affiliated with University of São Paulo and Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the University of São Paulo
- Educated at Mackenzie Presbyterian University
- Worked as architect, painter and restorer
