Brasília is often held up as a model of urban design, but the design of the city was linked to specific architectural and, more importantly, political conditions in Brazil. Since the 'Revolution of 1930' a distinctively Brazilian version of European Modern architecture symbolised a Modernising and reformist government. The superquadras were intended to provide a complete way of life for the Modern brasileiro.
The original conception of the Plano Piloto applies, in fact, only to the few original superquadras completed before 1960 - the later superquadras departed from this ideal as the architectural and political conditions that created it faded away after the military coup in 1964. The original superquadras have long ceased to be a model for urban development even within Brasília. The city now follows an American model of decentralised suburbs within a metropolitan region. Later developments have little to do with the original design intentions and the large landscape spaces of the city have become an easy target for ruthless and incoherent speculation.
Modernism, without any doubt, was the cultural high point of recent history in Brazil. While Brasília may not be model for urban planning for the future, as an urban plan of the recent past it is almost viable: how to democratise the urban form is the major problem facing Brasília today. The few original superquadras offer a fascinating opportunity to experience Modern life for those who want to live there.
thomas
deckker
architect
