Revisiting modernity and coloniality in Brasília

Brasília, the iconic modernist capital of Brazil, has sparked diverse interpretations and reactions over the past six decades. While celebrated as a prime example of Brazilian modernism and international functionalist urbanism, it has also faced criticism for its perceived rupture with traditional cultural patterns. This article delves into the relationship between modernity, tradition, and coloniality in Brasília, exploring the city through the lens of decolonial theory. By examining the discourse surrounding Brasília and its urban architecture, particularly the Alvorada Palace, the article aims to uncover how coloniality manifests within the city’s modernity. It argues that modernism in architecture indeed embodies coloniality as a system of domination. The spatial characteristics, spatial organisation, sectorisation, hierarchies, and symbolism embedded within Alvorada Palace serve as a starting point for analysing Brasília’s symbolic and spatial dimensions. Ultimately, this research sheds light on the intricate connections between modernity and coloniality, inviting a critical re-evaluation of Brasília’s architectural and cultural identity.