Architecture is invention.

I deliberately disregarded the right angle and rationalist architecture designed with ruler and square to boldly enter the world of curves and straight lines offered by reinforced concrete... This deliberate protest arose from the environment in which I lived, with its white beaches, its huge mountains, its old baroque churches, and the beautiful suntanned women.

Curves are the essence of my work because they are the essence of Brazil, pure and simple.

When you have a large space to conquer, the curve is the natural solution.

Right angles don't attract me. Nor straight, hard and inflexible lines created by man.

I pick up my pen. It flows. A building appears. There it is. There is nothing more to say.

Of course, I have given my engineers some headaches over the years, but they go with me. I have always wanted my buildings to be as light as possible, to touch the ground gently, to swoop and soar, and to surprise.