There are many architectural and urban planning qualities that justify Brasília's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list, and perhaps the invention of the superquadra is one of the most overlooked. The structural module of the residential sector proposed by Lucio Costa, the superquadra does not exist solely for housing; it is part of a larger whole, the modern city, contributing to the enjoyment, harmony, and coexistence of its residents.
To honor this way of living in the city, Iphan produced the publication A invenção da Superquadra, written by Marcílio Mendes Ferreira and Matheus Gorovitz. The book, available for free download in digital format, features texts by Lucio Costa and other authors, interviews, technical drawings, and extensive photographic documentation by Joana França.
According to Costa, "the interests of the individual do not always coincide with the interests of that same person as a collective being"; thus, it falls to the urban planner to resolve this fundamental contradiction. Organized in groups to form neighborhood units, the superquadras were part of the planner's response when designing the new capital of the Republic on the Central Plateau.
Access the document released by Iphan and learn more about Brasília's superquadras.
This article was written by Romullo Baratto. The translation is powered by AI.
