paulo mendes da rocha

paulo mendes da rocha was a brazilian architect known for innovative work using concrete and steel in his home city of são paulo. in 2006, mendes da rocha received the pritzker architecture prize. the jury cited his 'deep understanding of the poetics of space' and an 'architecture of profound social engagement.' 'one of the most consistently daring of twentieth century architects, mendes da rocha has worked notably in the public realm, creating concrete and steel forms of immense power and grace,' commented the pritzker prize. mendes da rocha was subsequently awarded the praemium imperiale international arts award in 2016. the architect passed away in may 2021, leaving behind a legacy of celebrated projects.