Further Research: Artist Research Three

 Oscar Niemeyer

In my third artist research post I decided to look at works created by architect Oscar Niemeyer. His architectural style is defined by applying one  bright colour that creates contrast between neutral building colour, landscape and bright accent.  Niemeyer's style stands out by designing rounded corners in the buildings and soft sculptural shapes.

In my project I wanted the function of the building to be recognisable through its architectural design. As I am designing the Contemporary Art and Culture Centre and it is connected to art and creativity, I decided to use colour, as a bright accent to make the architecture more expressive and reflect its function.  I am  interested in exploring how applying colour on the building can help visitors recognise the building as a cultural space and connect it with creativity. Therefore I found it useful to explore the works of this  architect. 

Niterói Contemporary Art Museum – Brazil

image 1

In the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, Niemeyer creates a strong visual contrast between the white concrete building, the red  ramp and the blue sea. The building is designed as a spatial journey where the visitor walks through the architecture using the ramp system. The colour is used not only as decoration, but also to guide people and create an accent. 

Museum Oscar Niemeyer in Curitiba, Brasil

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In the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, often called “Niemeyer's Eye,” Oscar uses a strong sculptural form to make the building  recognisable. The main volume has a smooth, curved shape that looks like a giant eye above the ground. Because of the white colour of the building and glazing that reflects the sky, the building looks almost invisible. The building has a yellow colour that contrasts with everything around and indicates the entrance. 

I realised that Oscar Niemeyer applied the colour not just for making the building contrast and expressive but also it has a logical purpose. As Niemeyer's architecture has unusual complicated shapes, colour accent helps to recognise the entrance and navigate people. Next I plan to create sketches and test how one strong colour element can contrast with neutral architecture and the natural landscape near the sea. I am also interested in exploring how applying colour on the building can help visitors recognise the building as a cultural space and connect it with creativity.

Image references

1. words by Jack (2023) 'Important creators | Oscar Niemeyer — A Master of Curves'. morjas. Available at: Important creators | Oscar Niemeyer — A Master of Curves | MORJAS (Accessed: 14 May 2026).

2. Allen, E. (2016) '16 Examples of Stunning Modern Architecture by Oscar Niemeyer', architecturaldigest. Available at: Oscar Niemeyer Architecture | Architectural Digest (Accessed: 14 May 2026).

 Text references

1. Stones, V. (2025) 'The Architecture of Meaning: On Niemeyer, Interpretation, and Letting Go of Intention', medium. Available at: The Architecture of Meaning: On Niemeyer, Interpretation, and Letting Go of Intention | by Victor Stones | Medium (Accessed: 14 May 2026).

2. Iniguez, A. (2025) 'A Lighthouse in Rio de Janeiro's Landscape: the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum by Oscar Niemeyer', ArchDaily. Available at: A Lighthouse in Rio de Janeiro's Landscape: the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum by Oscar Niemeyer | ArchDaily (Accessed: 14 May 2026).