Brasília

Federal District (DF), Brazil

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is a landmark of modern urban planning and architectural ingenuity. Conceived in the mid-20th century and officially inaugurated in 1960, the city was envisioned by President Juscelino Kubitschek as a symbol of Brazil's progress and a strategic move to encourage development in the interior of the country.

The master plan, known as the Plano Piloto, was designed by urban planner Lúcio Costa and brought to life with the iconic architectural creations of Oscar Niemeyer. The city’s layout resembles the shape of an airplane or a bird in flight, with the "fuselage" formed by the Monumental Axis — the avenue housing many of the city's most significant governmental buildings.

This axis features the Palácio do Planalto (Presidential Palace), the National Congress with its twin towers flanked by two bowl-shaped structures, and the Supremo Tribunal Federal (Supreme Federal Court), all reflecting Niemeyer’s futuristic vision and commitment to sculptural, flowing forms. In the “wings” of the city, residential and commercial sectors are organized into superblocks — clusters of apartment buildings with ample green spaces and integrated services, exemplifying the ideals of modernist urbanism.

Instead of following traditional city evolution, Brasília was created almost overnight, with a strong emphasis on spatial separation between different functions of urban life such as dwelling, working, and leisure. The city’s monumentality is further underscored by structures like the Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasília, whose parabolic design and stained-glass interior create a spiritual and ethereal experience.

The Itamaraty Palace, home to Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, elegantly floats on a reflective pool, merging political gravitas with serene design. The entire composition of Brasília’s civic buildings and layout exemplifies the tenets of modernist architecture, with a cohesive vision that has earned it designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.