I was attracted by the curve — the liberated, sensual curve suggested by the possibilities of new technology yet so often recalled in venerable old baroque churches.

Architecture was my way of expressing my ideals: to be simple, to create a world equal to everyone, to look at people with optimism, that everyone has a gift. I don’t want anything but general happiness. Why is that bad?

I think of myself as no more than 60. What I could do at 60, I can still do now.

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

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

Life is very fleeting. It’s important to be gentle and optimistic. We look behind and think what we’ve done in this life has been good. It was simple; it was modest. Everyone creates their own story and moves on. That’s it. I don’t feel particularly important. What we create is not important. We’re very insignificant.

For me beauty is valued more than anything - the beauty that is manifest in a curved line or in an act of creativity.