'the modernist life' by debaixo do bloco is a short film capturing the aesthetics of brasilia

conceived by clay rodrigues, founding architect of the debaixo do bloco architecture office, and made by seriema films, ‘the modernist life’ is a short film depicting daily life in brasilia. the city, which was planned from scratch in the late 1950s by oscar niemeyer and lucio costa, was inaugurated as brazil’s capital in 1960. brimming with rationality and clean lines, this project intends to capture life in brasilia, where modern architecture is present not only in monumental areas, but also in everyday homes.

all images and video courtesy of debaixo do bloco architecture

the film takes viewers on a journey by first showing an aerial view of the rational apartment blocks, before zooming in to an apartment in detail. the residence in question is one that has been renovated by debaixo do bloco and as the video continues, it offers a glimpse into contemporary life within this modernist architecture.

the film provides a glimpse into a modernist apartment renovated by debaixo do bloco 

‘the modernist life’ highlights the unique aesthetics that can be found living in brasilia. by capturing an everyday routine, the typical features of modernist buildings are revealed such as the concrete ‘cobogos’, striped windows, garden landscapes and an abundance of natural light. in essence, the short film provides a detailed glimpse into the architecture of the brazilian capital and moreover, the modernist style that the city is known for.

a detail view of the ‘cobogos’ design feature

viewers are taken on a journey through an everyday routine

the modernist buildings of brasilia are filled with natural light

an aerial view of the rational apartment blocks

film info:

name: ‘the modernist life’

director: seriema movies

executive production: clay rodrigues