He was instrumental in reshaping Brazil’s identity in popular culture and in the field of architecture. In addition to making important contributions to his country, he was also a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete used solely for aesthetic impact. Some of Niemeyer’s most famous works include the United Nations in New York City, National Congress of Brazil and the Modern Art Museum Niterói. He was the 1988 recipient of the Pritzker Prize for architecture. (Images via: architizer, crotchbuffet, nytimes, dezeen, lafraise)