Oscar Niemeyer (1907–2012) was a pioneering Brazilian architect renowned for his significant contributions to modern architecture. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in 1934. Niemeyer's architectural style is characterized by his innovative use of reinforced concrete to create fluid, curvilinear forms, drawing inspiration from Brazil's natural landscapes and cultural elements. He famously stated, "I am not attracted to straight angles or to the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man. I am attracted to free-flowing, sensual curves"