The Residential Masterpieces series is a collection of architectural monographs published by A.D.A. Edita Tokyo (Global Architecture) that showcases and explores iconic modern and contemporary houses from around the world. This edition highlights two houses built in the 1950s by Oscar Niemeyer, the Brazilian modernist architect.
Known as Casa das Canoas and Casa Cavanelas, both houses are located in Rio de Janeiro and despite of being constructed during the same period – according to the essay in this volume by Yoshio Futagawa – the contrast between them is intriguing. The former, Niemeyer's own residence, demonstrates the spatial truth in privacy that the architect explored; the latter startles the viewer with spectacular features orchestrated through Niemeyer's collaboration with landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx. Futagawa's exceptional photography completes the tribute to this pair of masterful designs.
