Paulo Mendes da Rocha

Paulo Mendes da Rocha (October 25, 1928 – May 23, 2021) was a Brazilian architect.

Mendes da Rocha attended the Mackenzie Presbyterian University College of Architecture, graduating in 1954. Working almost exclusively in Brazil, Mendes da Rocha began designing buildings in 1957, many of them built in concrete, a method some call "Brazilian Brutalism", arguably allowing buildings to be constructed cheaply and quickly. He contributed many notable cultural buildings to São Paulo and is widely credited with having enhanced and revitalized the city.

Mendes da Rocha was a professor at the Architecture College of University of São Paulo, known as FAU-USP, until 1998. His work was influenced by Brazilian architect Vilanova Artigas, from the paulist Brazilian School. He was honored with the Mies van der Rohe Prize (2000), the Pritzker Prize (2006), and the Venice Biennale Golden Lion for lifetime achievement (2016).

Mendes da Rocha died on May 23, 2021, in São Paulo at the age of 92.

Major works

Gallery