Lucio Costa was born on February 27, 1902, in France to his parents Joaquim Ribeiro da Costa and Alina Ferreira da Costa. His father was a naval engineer who hailed from Salvador, Bahia, while his mother was from Manaus. The family eventually settled in Rio de Janeiro, where Costa would go on to study at the National School of Fine Arts and graduate in 1924.
After graduating, Costa initially dabbled in eclectic styles before embracing Modernism in 1929. This shift in his design philosophy would come to define his career and influence his most notable works.
In 1930, Costa formed a partnership with the famed architect Gregori Warchavchik. Together, they collaborated on various projects that showcased their mutual passion for innovative and forward-thinking design.
Costa's reputation as an architect and urban planner grew steadily throughout the 1930s and 1940s. His Brazilian pavilion at the 1939 New York World's Fair received critical acclaim, as did his design for the Ministry of Education and Health building in Rio de Janeiro.
Costa's most enduring legacy is his role in the design and layout of Brasilia, the federal capital of Brazil. Working in collaboration with Oscar Niemeyer, Costa created a modernist masterpiece that would come to symbolize Brazil's aspirations for the future.
Lucio Costa's impact on urban planning and architecture cannot be overstated. His innovative designs, commitment to Modernism, and collaborative spirit continue to inspire generations of architects and planners worldwide. He is often compared to Robert Moses, another renowned urban planner, for his visionary approach to city design.
Costa's personal life was marked by his dedication to his craft and his passion for creating spaces that enhanced the lives of those who inhabited them. He passed away on June 13, 1998, leaving behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking design and urban planning.