Groundbreaking architect Oscar Niemeyer died yesterday in Rio de Janeiro. He was 104 years old, and just a week shy of 105.
Niemeyer was essential to the reshaping of Brazil's identity. He was a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete and an artist with a unique vision for the raw material. Some of Niemeyer’s most celebrated works include the United Nations in New York City, National Congress of Brazil and the Modern Art Museum Niterói. He was the 1988 recipient of the Pritzker Prize for architecture.